Student Services Specialist - Financial Aid

FIRST REVIEW JULY 9, 2024 - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

$4,271 - $5,410 PER MONTH

$51,248 TO $64,920 PER YEAR

12 MONTHS / 40 HOURS PER WEEK POSITION

Under the direction of the Financial Aid Director, perform specialized and technical duties in support of financial aid programs and services; receive, analyze and validate financial aid applications, perform needs analysis, determine eligibility and package awards in accordance with District policies and federal, state and local requirements.

• Answer telephone calls, technical questions and e-mails from students, instructors, counselors and/or parents.

• Informs and advises students and parents regarding eligibility and responsibilities of financial aid programs; interprets and explains policies, application procedures and availability of funding from various sources.

• Uses and maintains complex computer programs to analyze, process, record, retrieve and verify statistical data; operates computers, calculator, copier and other office machines.

• Process student financial aid applications that include the Board of Governor's Fee Waiver (BOGFW), Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA), Cal Grants, and federal student loan applications.

• Analyzes and evaluates the financial needs of students using federal and state guidelines for Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant, Cal Grant, scholarships and other financial aid programs.

• Reviews and evaluates required documentation and packages awards in accordance with established guidelines; interprets and applies federal, state and institutional regulations to determine and certify student eligibility.

• Collects and processes documentation required for "Verification" of a student's financial aid application in accordance with federal regulations.

• Conducts financial aid and/or loan workshops on/off campus and provides support to outreach programs with various community organizations and high schools.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Financial Aid Director.

• Attend training workshops and conferences in order to learn and stay current on financial aid regulations and processing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree from an accredited institution OR
• Two years' experience working with college students in an educational setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with financial aid in higher Ed setting.

• College-level coursework from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting or a related field.

• Previous experience in an educational setting.

• Knowledge of, and experience with Banner and federal and state electronic processing systems such as EdConnect, Web Grants, FSA Access.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and ability to interpret of current Federal and State financial Aid regulations and guidelines.

• Demonstrate ability to interpret and apply Federal and State regulations pertaining to the financial aid process and eligibility.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and proficiency in, the operation and use of personal computers utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and database management software programs (e.g., MS Office Suite, MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Access and PowerPoint) and the Internet browser, websites and E-mail.

• Understanding of, sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of College of the Siskiyous students, faculty, staff and community. As well as working effectively with minority, disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

• Analyze student needs and make determinations as to the appropriate course of action.

• Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, procedures, precedents and policies related to Financial Aid.

• Investigate and analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.

• Plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in a situation where numerous diverse demands are involved.

• Work independently with little direction.

• Meet schedules and timelines.

• Utilize reasoning to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Selection Process

After the preliminary screening, selected candidates will be invited to the campus for an initial interview with the Search Committee. At the discretion of the

District, videoconference interviews (in lieu of an in-person initial interview) may be offered. Candidates to be interviewed will be selected from applicants who

most closely meet the minimum and desired qualifications. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. The Search Committee will

recommend a slate of finalists to the Superintendent/President for a final interview.

The District reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay indefinitely filling of the position if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not

constitute an adequate applicant pool or if funding is not available.

Conditions of Employment

Employees must satisfy all the pre-employment requirements prior to appointment that include, but are not limited to, tuberculosis clearance (EC 87408.6),

fingerprint processing, and verification of their legal right to work in the United States. A pre-employment physical examination may be required.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application or interview process must notify the Human Resources Office in advance.

College of the Siskiyous is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of the District is to encourage applications from ethnic and racial minorities, women, persons

with disabilities, and Vietnam-era veterans. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, age, religion,

marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, status as a Vietnam-era veteran, ancestry, or political or organizational affiliation.

College of the Siskiyous is accredited by the Accrediting commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.