Financial Aid Specialist-BFAP



Financial Aid Specialist-BFAP

Salary

$52,768.00 - $71,142.00 Annually

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

O-014-19

Division

Orange Coast College

Department

SS/Enrol/Fin Aid

Opening Date

06/20/2018

Closing Date

7/3/2018 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

Summary
Advises and assists customers regarding all aspects of financial aid programs, forms, regulations, and procedures.  Assists in the calculation of federal need analysis and awarding of financial aid.  Responsible for reporting financial aid awards and budgets to appropriate agencies.  May also be responsible for maintaining financial aid archives.  Works independently under minimal supervision.
 
Distinguishing Career Features
The Financial Aid Specialist is the third level in a career ladder for financial aid transaction processing and reporting.  To qualify for this level, prospective incumbents must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of financial aid programs to determine student eligibility and the ability to package and determine loan amounts.   At this level, incumbents must also demonstrate advanced knowledge of the operating characteristics and features of federal, state, and internal computer programs used for financial aid and student information.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties may vary among departments and jobs.  Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following kinds of duties: 

  • Guides and advises students and prospective students concerning the financial aid programs.  Explains complex policies and procedures. 
  • Reviews and evaluates financial aid applications to determine accuracy, completeness and financial need level.  Uses federal methodology need-analysis criteria for review.  Performs any required follow-up procedures to get additional information, correct errors or elicit more in-depth data from applicants. 
  • Verifies application data for accuracy.  Compares FAFSA data with verification documents (104B, Worksheets, W-2s etc.).  Corrects information on a financial or student database, performs needs analysis, prepares computer files for reprocessing. 
  • Packages and determines award levels within established guidelines.  Communicates award levels with students, sets up accounts along with disbursement and payment dates, and receives and allocates award funds from grantors.  
  • Grants financial aid awards.  Determines need levels, confirms resources, and awards funds within pre-existing parameters. Uses automated data entry/access programs to secure funds from available resources, or manually inputs awards on an individual student by student basis. 
  • Provides one-on-one advising for students, parents, or others regarding financial aid issues, procedures to award, reasons for denial or lack of eligibility, deadlines, petition processes and other relevant issues. 
  • May provide partial leadership over certain aspects of the day-to-day office routine by organizing and prioritizing workload, reviewing applications and awards for accuracy and compliance, and reviewing financial aid budget projections. 
  • Assists applicants in completing the various forms required for financial aid.  Resolves problems with applications and/or financial aid checks. 
  • Reviews student satisfactory academic progress.  Requests and reviews transcripts and other materials to support packaging of financial aid and/or collection of amounts owed. 
  • Administers or serves as primary resource for one or more programs such as but not limited to, special grant, study abroad, and state or local arrangement.  
  • Troubleshoots and resolves problems associated with financial aid application status, award levels, student information, communications among separate computer systems, and data integrity.  Updates data, rate, and award tables.  
  • Maintains ongoing paper and computer-aided records and databases.  Ensures privacy of confidential financial aid records and archives. 
  • Extracts and imports information from financial aid databases to support reporting and auditing.  Updates tables in databases to reflect current rates and schedules. 
  • Troubleshoots problems accessing, storing, manipulating, remitting, and extracting data to and from financial aid and student databases. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills:
The position requires considerable knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures and operations.  Requires knowledge of Federal and State regulations, policies and procedures relating to awarding and administering Financial Aid.  Requires a working knowledge of admissions, transcripts, and satisfactory academic progress. Requires knowledge and skill with networked financial aid computer software and systems as well as student information systems. Requires well-developed skills with and knowledge of applicable word processing, spreadsheet, and student database applications sufficient to extract and import data, perform queries, and tabulate reports.  Requires well-developed math skills sufficient to compute sums, portions, percents, ratios, and quotients from formulas and tables.  Requires well-developed human relations skills to convey technical concepts to others, resolve difficult and sensitive confrontations, facilitate small group in-service, and project a positive image of the College. 
 
Abilities:
Requires the ability to independently perform all of the duties of the position with efficiency and effectiveness.  Requires the ability to analyze technical and complex information and documents and make assessments according to well-established policies, procedures, and mandated regulations.  Requires the ability to impart technical and detailed information through one-on-one or group presentations.  Requires the ability to perform data entry and database management duties and other general record keeping and file maintenance duties.  Requires the ability to communicate both formally and informally with a wide range of contacts both inside and outside the College setting.  Requires the ability to perform assignments on varying work schedules. 

Education and Experience:
The position typically requires an Associate's degree and two years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating financial aid programs.   Comparable related work experience may substitute for some higher education.
 
Licenses and Certificates:
May require a valid driver license.

Physical Abilities: 
Incumbent performs work of predominately a sedentary nature.  Requires ambulatory ability to sit in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time, to move about between work station and customer service counters, and to reach for work materials and files.  Requires sufficient hand, arm, finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard, typewriter or other office equipment.  Requires visual acuity to read words and numbers.   Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over phone and carry on routine conversations.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

Conditions of Employment

This is a temporary, categorically funded, full time, 12 month per year classified position. The normal hours of work are between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.

  • Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
  • The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
  • The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

PAY PHILOSOPHY: Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality.  In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade.  All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Additional Information

ATTENTION: Before applying, please be sure to review the Coast Colleges District Board Policy regarding Nepotism ((BP 7310) (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)) to check if your application may be impacted. If you have any questions, please contact HR Recruitment at 714-438-4714 or 714-438-4716.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered for employment you must submit a COMPLETE application packet. A complete application packet includes:
1. A complete Classified/Management Employment Application.
2. A current resume (attached as a separate document - PDF recommended).
3. A cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the desired position (attached as a separate document - PDF recommended).
4. Answers to all Supplemental Questions (please provide clear, thorough responses as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not put "see resume," N/A, copy and paste your resume, or leave blank).

 
Submission of all required application information and materials is the responsibility of the applicant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications must be received no later than the posted closing date. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. Electronic applications may be completed by visiting www.cccd.edu/employment. Once you have completed an electronic application, you may apply to open positions within the Coast Community College District by submitting the application and all other required materials. Required materials differ for each open position and must be complete when submitted for a specific posting. Instructions for completing applications and applying to posted positions are available online or by calling Applicant Processing at (714) 438-4714 or (714) 438-4716.

Information for TDD users is available by calling (714) 438-4755.
 
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. Any documents that you are unable to attach can be faxed to (714) 782-6065. Faxes must clearly indicate your name and the job to which you are applying.

To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate "n/a" (not applicable). If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank. 

Disability Accommodations:
If you require accommodations in the Application or Examination Process, please notify Human Resources by calling (714) 438-4714 or (714) 438-4716.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:

  1. All online applications and required materials received by the deadline date will be screened to determine which applicant(s) meet(s) the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
  2. Applicants who meet the required qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest degree of desirable qualifications will be invited to discuss their qualifications in an interview with the College/District. Therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants submit clear, detailed responses to all supplemental questions in order to demonstrate his/her qualifications as related to the position.
  3. If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in-person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.

 

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community CollegeGolden West College, and Orange Coast College.  The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services and student support services.  Coastline, Golden West and Orange Coast Colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. 

Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States.  Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

 

 

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision
We know that the health of our employees and their families is a priority. That's why we offer extensive health care benefits to benefits-eligible employees. We offer the District's PPO plan as well as two HMO's, United Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. We also provide District-paid dental and vision insurance. 

Benefits are available to regular permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week.  Benefits are not available to temporary or short term employees.

District-paid Life Insurance
The District provides Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance benefits, underwritten by ING. This District-paid benefit is equal to one time your annual salary and remains in effect until age 70.

District-paid Disability Benefits
Coast provides both short and long term disability benefits for eligible employees unable to work because of disability due to illness, injury, or maternity.

Voluntary Plans
A variety of voluntary plans are offered through the District to benefits-eligible employees such as Long Term Care, Hyatt Legal, and Section 125 compliant flexible spending accounts.

Enrich Your Profession
Professional Development Programs
The District offers a variety of Professional Development programs for faculty and classified staff that encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework and conferences. We encourage lifelong learning that maintains and improves professional competencies, enhances career progression, and keeps our employees on the cutting edge of their profession.

Sabbatical Leaves
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue professional growth leading to the development of increased competence and the improvement of instruction and/or redirection in their current teaching discipline. The District's sabbatical leave program is designed to assist in this pursuit and is available on a semester basis after completing six consecutive years of service.

Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is the governing body at each of our colleges for making recommendations to administration and to our Board of Trustees with respect to academic and professional matters. The Senate consists of elected faculty and has the responsibility for matters related to curriculum and general academic policy.

Time to Refuel
Vacation
Classified, contract staff earn vacation days commensurate with years of service. Classified Management and Administrators earn 22 days vacation per year.

Sick Leave
All contract employees earn sick leave as outlined in the CA Education Code. Sick leave may be carried over from year-to-year and, upon retirement, unused sick leave may contribute to your PERS and STRS retiree benefit.

Holidays
The District observes 21 paid holidays per year.

Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military Leave
Coast grants contract employees called to jury duty a leave of absence, without loss of pay, for the entire length of required service. Other available leaves include bereavement from 3-5 days and military leaves of absence in accordance with applicable state laws.

Great Expectations
Pension Plans
The District participates in the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for contract employees. Non-contract employees participate in Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) plan for the first 1,000 hours of their employment.
Additionally, it is the policy of the Coast Community College District that contract employees who retire from the District with ten or more years of service be afforded the same group insurance benefits until 70 years of age. A Medicare Supplement or GAP plan  is available to retirees and their spouses after age 70.

Annuities
The District maintains a program whereby qualified employees may request through Payroll to have a portion of his or her salary deposited under a tax sheltered annuity plan or an approved deferred compensation plan.

Schools First Federal Credit Union

The Schools First Federal Credit Union is a federally insured, full service, financial cooperative that is a not-for-profit organization. Earnings are used to benefit all members to provide a full range of financial services and offerings.


01
What specific qualifications do you possess that would allow you to be successful in this position?
02
Please describe in detail your experience coordinating federal or state financial aid programs (e.g. Cal Grant, Loans, FWS, etc.)
03
Describe your experience with Ellucian software or any other software programs you have utilized in your current and former positions as it relates to financial aid.
04
Have you ever bent the rules in assisting a customer? Describe the situation and the outcome?
05
Describe the training and/or experience that demonstrate your sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
06
I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A completed Coast Community College District Online Employment Application 2. A current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 3. A cover letter (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended) 4. Clear and detailed responses to all supplemental questions (required for evaluation purposes)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
714-438-4668
714-438-4714