Location: Spokane CC Main Campus Spokane

Department: SCC Financial Aid/Work Study

Salary Range: $4,740 - $6,384

Starting salary for this position is: $4,740 (Monthly)

Employees hired at the entry step of this range receive salary step advancement after six months and every 12 months thereafter. An employee hired at anything higher than the entry step of the range will have salary step advancement after 12 months and every 12 months thereafter until they reach the top of the salary range. Each salary step advancement will be approximately a 5% increase.

About Us 

Spokane Community College (SCC) is a beautiful campus located in the inland Pacific Northwest, on the ancestral home of the Spokane Tribe, near the Spokane River. Our campus is not far from the urban center of Spokane, a mid-sized city with a high quality of life and quick access to the outdoors.

SCC is one of two accredited community colleges that comprise the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS). Serving about 15,000 students, SCC endeavors to be an educational leader and a responsive partner with the community and region, offering access to relevant programs of the highest quality. We offer state-of-the-art career technical programs (approximately 50% of total enrollment) as well as liberal arts/transfer programs (about 25%) and basic education for adults (about 25%), In addition to serving the urban and suburban population in greater Spokane, CCS provides educational services to rural communities throughout a 12,302 square mile region in Eastern Washington. This region includes all of Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties as well as portions of Lincoln County.

SCC’s mission is to provide all students with an excellent education that transforms lives and expands their opportunities.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 12/09/2024. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

About the Financial Aid Specialist – FAFSA and Outreach - Program Specialist 3

The Financial Aid Specialist works in the Financial Aid Office under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid. Each financial aid program has policies, procedures, regulations, and specific government reporting requirements. The rules of these programs are highly complex and require coordination to ensure that students receive the correct information and are offered aid in accordance with established regulations.

The Financial Aid Specialist works independently, interprets, and works in accordance with federal, state, and college policies, procedures, and regulations, and coordinates with other financial aid programs and the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) Business Office to ensure college administrative capability is maintained. The specialist reviews applications for financial aid eligibility, advises students and makes decisions regarding special circumstances.

This position coordinates and presents financial aid outreach presentations to students, area schools, parents and community agencies on behalf of the college; and advises students in their financial aid application process. This position will coordinate community outreach efforts to students, schools, families, agencies, and other organizations that may benefit from financial aid, will serve as the primary financial aid contact for special and high-risk populations, and will maintain effective relationships with other departments, local schools, and community organizations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and provide presentations to individuals and groups. Organize and oversee outreach events. Interpret and apply rules, regulations and policies of the district and of federal and state financial aid programs. Analyze financial and educational needs of students and make appropriate referrals. Assist students to define budgets to meet their educational needs and maintain a manageable debt burden. Produce informational materials. Provide effective customer service. Communicate effectively. Maintain cooperative working relationships. Demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for, a diverse population. Conduct recruitment efforts among targeted groups to promote financial aid availability and to encourage students to apply and educationally advance. *
• Provide assistance to incarcerated individuals who are eligible for Pell Grants which includes help with completing paper FAFSAs. *
• Provide assistance at Bigfoot Central (BFC) front desk for student-facing processes such as tracking incoming documents, answering student email/phone requests and ID cards. *
• Analyze and evaluate documentation to determine financial aid file completion, and student eligibility, perform file review and award federal, state, and local financial aid. This includes using data obtained from federal and state systems. Analyze and evaluate documentation submitted by students, complete the verification process for selected students, using submitted documents that includes but are not limited to federal tax returns. *
• Provide complex counseling, assistance and problem solving by providing a variety of options to students based on individual needs and circumstances regarding financial aid, payment and refunds, credit reviews, and enrollment issues. *
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of the Federal Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress ensuring students maintain a proper grade point average (GPA) and number of quarters they have been in attendance. *
• Maintain expertise and up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations for financial aid programs, enabling the department to plan and react positively to constantly changing federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidance. *
• Assist in developing and establishing procedures and policies to implement new programs and/or activities and in formulating new program policies, procedures, and standards. *
• Assist higher-level staff in the preparation of complex comprehensive plans, summaries, recommendations, progress, or special reports. *
• Work on special projects for the Director/Associate Director and serve as an intercampus contact for the Financial Aid Office. *
• Works with program participants, staff, representatives of outside organizations and/or members of the public in defining the needs and planning, designing, and developing specialized program activities.*
• Maintain accurate reporting to COD/DOE of all financial aid eligible student records. *
• Anticipate potential conflict and attempt resolution before problems occur. Plan, evaluate, and consult with staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and recommend resolutions designed to meet the goals and objectives of the program. *
• Exercise professional judgment in interpreting rules and regulations and evaluating unusual circumstances for special conditions, using federal and state Student Financial Aid rules and regulations. *
• Maintain knowledge of policies of other departments (Admissions, Registration, Transcripts, Student Success, Testing, Curriculum, etc.) and understand the impact of them on a student’s financial aid eligibility. *
• This position is aware of legislative issues and monitors the changes of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules to make sure students are fully eligible to receive loans. *
• Serve as backup and provide assistance to other staff members as needed.
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. *
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. *
• Support and advance the CCS strategic plan, and perform other duties as assigned. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

• Manages Complexity
• Decision Quality
• Action Oriented
• Plans & Aligns
• Ensures Accountability
• Drives Results
• Collaborates
• Instills Trust
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Self-Development
• Nimble Learning
• Situational Adaptability

Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
• Must have strong math and logic aptitude as well as problem solving skills.
• Must be able to understand and apply complex rules and regulations.
• Ability to be supportive yet direct in providing advice and services to students.
• Have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Have the ability to initiate and complete projects.
• Ability to consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.
• Ability to anticipate and adopt innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
• Have the ability to work with others as part of a team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of federal and state programs and regulations that provide financial assistance to students; interviewing techniques; relevant federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, and resources; needs’ analysis, financial aid packaging, fee waivers, verification procedures, and student eligibility guidelines; standard office productivity software; methods, practices and terminology used in financial record keeping.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Two years of experience in financial aid, student services, or related area of higher education.
• Knowledge or experience with federal software, the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), or student management systems (PeopleSoft).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a semi-open office setting with frequent interruptions and background noise.
• Work is sedentary.
• Frequent use of computers.
• Visual focus and strain.
• Work directly with students/clients.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time schedule (12 months, 40 hours a week).
• 6-month probationary period.
• This position is overtime eligible.
• Requires frequent travel to various area high schools, organizations, and community agencies.
• Requires ability to work flexible hours.
• Criminal background check required.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Community Colleges of Spokane maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.  

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

Benefits Information

Medical, dental, life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board; WA State Retirement Plan; vacation and sick leave begin to accrue at the rate of one (1) day per month, upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.) This position is designated a bargaining unit position and union membership is not a condition of employment. Leave accruals and usage are governed by the WFSE collective bargaining agreement.

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information

Required Application Materials

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
  
• Resume.
  
• References – the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at CCS.Recruiter@ccs.spokane.edu.

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) Equity Statement

CCS believes that access to high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment is the right of all individuals and imperative for the continued advancement of a strong democracy and workforce. We also believe higher education institutions have an obligation to work toward and demonstrate progress in ensuring equity amongst their students, faculty, and staff. Equity is grounded in the principle of fairness. In higher education, equity refers to ensuring that each student receives what they need to be successful through the intentional design of the college experience.

Native Land Acknowledgement

We are honored to acknowledge that the Community Colleges of Spokane, and our main campuses for Spokane Falls and Spokane Community College, are located on the traditional and sacred homelands of the Spokane Tribe. We also provide services in a region that includes the traditional and sacred homelands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe and Nez Perce Tribe.
 
We pay our respect to tribal elders both past and present as well as to all Indigenous people today. This land holds their cultural DNA, and we are honored and grateful to be here on their traditional lands. We give thanks to the legacy of the original people and their descendants and pledge to honor their stewardship and values.

Equal Opportunity Institution

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding their child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. 

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:
Fred Davis | Chief Human Resources Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040