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Financial Aid Specialist

Salary: $24.92 - $37.66 Hourly
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Student Services
Closing:
Location: Joshua Tree, CA
Job Number: 20240715FAS

Position Description

Under the direction of the Dean of Student Services: Financial Aid and Enrollment Services, perform specialized technical and clerical duties related to processing financial aid applications in accordance with Federal, State and District policies, guidelines, rules, and laws; perform specialized and confidential duties to assist students who seek financial assistance; and perform related duties as assigned.

This is a 40 hour/week position.

*Remember to attach all required documents listed below or your application may not be considered*

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical information and assistance regarding financial aid programs and answer questions from staff, students and the public regarding financial aid programs and the process of receiving financial aid; meet with students to discuss programs and review applications.

• Perform needs analysis to determine eligibility; package and award financial aid in accordance with Federal, State and District policies, regulations, guidelines, rules and laws.

• Process applications and verification forms; analyze records for changes in status; request and review transcripts, records and other information needed to determine the status of applications and forms; resolve problems regarding the financial aid process and disbursement of financial aid.

• Conduct confidential interviews with students to answer questions, resolve problems, validate information submitted and clarify discrepancies; assure accurate and complete documentation; conduct exit interviews.

• Research, compile and prepare financial records and reports; prepare and type letters and other correspondence; maintain student records and files.

• Prepare and disburse award letters, disburse financial aid awards in accordance with approved policies and practices.

• Determine eligibility of students for Pell Grants, FSEOG, EOPS, CCPG Fee Waiver (BOGW), Federal Work Study, emergency loans, scholarships, and Stafford Student Loans; ensure compliance with program requirements; assist in management of program funds.

• Monitor eligibility and academic progress of students to assure correct expenditure of Federal and State funds.

• Maintain current knowledge of Federal and State laws, local and campus regulations, policies and guidelines that affect programs and application processing and eligibility requirements.

• Participate in evaluating internal operating procedures; recommend changes in policies, procedures, handbooks, and other documents to improve student financial aid support.

• Plan, organize and implement a default reduction procedure.

• Develop a means of accurately recording and tracking BFAP expenditures, maintaining a decreasing balance in the appropriate restricted accounts, assisting with the ordering of goods and advertising and preparing and tracking purchase orders and travel forms.

• Serve as Financial Aid liaison as assigned at meetings and workshops both on campus and off campus.

• Operate office equipment including calculators, typewriters and computers; enter, update and revise computer records and information; recommend format and procedural changes to enhance reporting and record-keeping capabilities.

• Conduct workshops, orientations, and financial aid nights at local high school and other community events as assigned.

• Enter data and maintain computer records relating to financial aid programs.

• Use personal judgment for income reduction and independent/dependent status within federal, state and district guidelines.

• Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by two years of college coursework and two years of increasingly responsible office experience including at least one year in a financial function.

Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and equipment; Federal, State and District regulations and procedures regarding financial aid; record-keeping techniques; operation of a computer terminal, data entry techniques and applicable software; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; principles of training and providing work direction.

Ability to: Resolve complex and difficult issues; perform technical work in support of the Financial Aid office; learn State, Federal and District regulations and procedures regarding financial aid; meet with students, college departments, local, state and federal agencies to provide information regarding financial aid programs; operate office machines including a computer and applicable word processing and financial aid software; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; maintain records and prepare reports; understand and follow financial aid regulations; understand and work within established policies, guidelines and regulations; interpret and communicate policies, guidelines, regulations and laws to staff, students and the public; prioritize and schedule work; meet schedules and time lines; type accurately; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work confidentially with discretion; train and provide work direction to others; work independently with little direction; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in working with data and files; learn software programs and data base systems used to track, approve, monitor and disburse financial aid.

Required Attachments:

1. A current and complete resume or CV highlighting educational, professional, and applicable experiences.
2. College transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is a requirement of the position (student copies are acceptable for application purposes but official transcripts will be required if hired).
3. A cover letter.

Tentative Timeline:

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by July 30, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Based on the number of applications received, this posting may close without notice.

*All dates are subject to change based on availability

Equal Opportunity Statement

Copper Mountain College is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons and to provide educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, gender identification, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disabilities, and other physical or verbal conduct. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the School District's Title IX Officer and/or Section 504/ADA Coordinator.

Supplemental Information

• Vision sufficient to read computer screens and handwritten and printed documents.
• Bending and reaching to obtain or replace files and records.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Speech and hearing to communicate in person or by telephone.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use a variety of office equipment, computer keyboards and manipulate paper.
• Able to lift materials and supplies up to 15 pounds.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/cmccd/jobs/4580302/financial-aid-specialist

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