Student Financial Aid Systems Specialist



Student Financial Aid Systems Specialist

Salary

$55,020.00 - $66,948.00 Annually

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Job Type

Classified Staff

Job Number

G-006-18

Division

Golden West College

Opening Date

09/11/2017

Closing Date

9/25/2017 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition

Under the direction of the Director, Student Financial Aid, the Student Financial Aid Systems Specialist provides system and operational support for the financial aid office on Student Financial Aid system processing.  Is responsible for the facilitation/support in the establishment, upgrade, monitoring, and maintenance of all financial aid software systems and the technical aspects of processing financial aid applications, as well as facilitating financial aid-related processes by providing quality assurance, troubleshooting, and error resolution.  Collaborates with financial aid and staff to identify areas for improvement of Student Financial Aid systems and data quality. The incumbent is also responsible for data collection, documentation of workflows for existing systems and works with internal and third party developers to ensure that delivered solutions meet the needs of the Student Financial Aid Office in conformity to federal, state, and institutional awarding guidelines.
 
Supports financial aid staff with customer service and financial aid processing in the use of Ellucian and other financial aid systems in an effort to improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial aid operations.  Serves as the Student Financial Aid liaison with campus departments and administrators.
 
DISTINGUISHING CAREER FEATURES:
This position functions as a subject matter expert in financial aid processes and rules that are automated; serves as a liaison between Information Technology professionals and campus student financial aid services; may be designated super user of various electronic applications related to administering student financial aid.
 
 
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Provide technical and systems support to Student Financial Aid staff; assisting in the development, documentation and maintenance of practices and processes for operations and system processing.
  2. Participates in the technical development of new processes and systems to benefit financial aid students and staff.
  3. Collaborate with District IT staff and FA Systems Specialists at the other colleges to validate, verify and test all software and database upgrades to the Student Financial Aid systems, and perform related troubleshooting and testing of new functions.
  4. Plan and support the development, implementation and testing of system enhancements and new systems. Work with District IT and the other FA Systems Specialists to customize, maintain and implement the annual set up and rule writing procedures for Student Financial Aid applications, which includes but is not limited to disbursement rules, System Applications Products (SAP)calculations rules and packaging etc.
  5. Develop and conduct routine tests to ensure the Student Financial Aid software systems are in working condition and comply with the various reporting agency requirements.
  6. Identify operational needs to improve processes; recommend changes for increased efficiency and effectiveness in office operations, and to ensure state and federal data reporting requirements are met.
  7. Document existing system processes, including workflow processes and procedures.
  8. Collaborate with Student Financial Aid staff to gather requirements for system improvements to work toward automation possibilities and data consistency.
  9. Participate in quality assurance efforts to ensure that delivered solutions meet the needs of the Student Financial Aid Office as detailed in the system requirements.
  10. Develop, schedule and implement training for Student Financial Aid staff on technology applications.
  11. Interact with technology vendors to ensure effective delivery of vendor services to the Student Financial Aid Office (i.e. Ellucian, PowerFAIDS, etc.).
  12. Test new releases of software, reports, data integration processes and other related technical system upgrades.
  13. Recommend and assist with process improvement, develop documentation designed to improve operational effectiveness for District and college use.
  14. Represent Student Financial Aid at professional organizations or associations; serve on college and District-wide committees as required.
  15. Assist users in diagnosing and resolving problems associated with Student Financial Aid software; train Student Financial Aid staff in the use of software applications.
  16. Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:

  1. Principles, practices, and technologies of operating systems.
  2. Federal, state programs that provide financial assistance to students and student eligibility guidelines.
  3. Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations..
  4. Generating reports from financial aid systems and databases.
  5. Various activities within system operation including File Transfer Protocols, system/database access, and batch scheduling.
  6. Student Financial Aid processes and software systems.
  7. Web development.
  8. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  9. Problem-solving skills; managing multiple projects and deadlines.
  10. Critical thinking, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
 
Ability to:
  1. Work well in a functional and technical team environment and take direction and supervision.
  2. Learning technologies, analyze, implement and troubleshoot software programs.
  3. Collaborate with Information Technology staff.
  4. Perform technical tasks within defined deadlines.
  5. Apply critical thinking skills.
  6. Manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines; manage deadline oriented projects.
  7. Work independently and with a diverse group of users.
  8. Give and follow oral and written instructions.
  9. Analyze the financial needs of students to determine their financial aid eligibility.
  10. Apply Student Financial Aid program in a fair, consistent and objective manner and in a team based environment.
  11. Provide strong and clear communication, customer service, and inter-personal skills.
  12. Work cooperatively with diverse groups of students and staff; work collaboratively with all levels of employees.
  13. Demonstrate sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
 
Education and Experience:
  1. An associate's degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Two (2) to four (4) years of experience with Student Financial Aid office within a higher education environment OR four (4) years working with complex data systems, coordinating computer operations, networks and software applications in a production environment.
  3. Or, any combination of education and experience that would provide the required qualifications.

Conditions of Employment

This is a categorically-funded, full-time, 12-month per year classified position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The normal hours of work will be 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility required to meet the needs of the department. 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: Starting salaries for support staff positions begin at Step-1 of the salary range. All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees. Salary also subject to 1.56% COLA effective 7/1/17.

Additional Information

ATTENTION: Before applying, please be sure to review the Coast Colleges District Board Policy regarding Nepotism (BP 7310) 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 this opportunity, you must submit a COMPLETE application packet. A complete application packet includes:

  1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.
  2. current resume (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).
  3. cover letter highlighting your skills and experience relevant to this position (uploaded as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).
  4. Answers to all supplemental questions (please provide clear and detailed responses as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, or put "see resume" or "N/A").
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 required 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  1. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
  2. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
  3. Seeing to read a variety of materials and view a computer monitor.
  4. Sitting for extended periods of time.
  5. May be required to work extended hours.

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
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
02
Please describe your educational background and professional experiences that have prepared you for this position and discuss your qualifications for the position.
03
Describe any experience that you have had in providing training and coordinating training materials as it relates to financial aid software.
04
Please describe your experience with maintaining, upgrading and utilizing various software programs in reference to financial aid systems.
05
Describe your experience in creating reports for financial aid; please share what software you used and how did the report benefit the student financial aid office and/or staff member.?

Required Question

Agency
Coast Community College District
Address
1370 Adams Avenue

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