Starting salary for this position is: $4,425 (Monthly).

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

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) District 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.

Spokane Community College (SCC) is a beautiful campus set along the Spokane River and near the urban city center of Spokane. Spokane is a mid-sized city in the inland Pacific Northwest with a high quality of life and quick access to the outdoors. In addition to the 148-acre main campus in Spokane, SCC serves over 10,000 square miles in eastern Washington including educational centers in Colville, Newport, Inchelium, and Republic. More information about relocating to/living in Spokane is available here: http://ccs.spokane.edu/Working-for-Us/Relocation-and-Living-in-Spokane.

SCC is one of two accredited community colleges that comprise the Community Colleges of Spokane. Serving about 22,000 students, SCC is an educational leader and responsive partner with the community and region to provide access to relevant programs of the highest quality. Offering 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%), SCC’s comprehensive opportunities transform lives and enrich our communities. As a college we are collectively committed to the work that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion and global awareness at every level of our college.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, since the screening committee will begin reviewing applications on March 29, 2023, submissions are encouraged prior to that time.

The Community Colleges of Spokane is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Financial Aid Specialist in the Financial Aid Department.

GENERAL DEFINITION

The Financial Aid Specialist works in the Financial Aid Office under 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 review applications for financial aid eligibility, advises students and makes decisions regarding special circumstances.

This position is responsible for Financial Aid Outreach presentations for potential financial aid applicants.

This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) and interacts with the Department of Education (ED), and Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all financial aid outreach presentations for potential financial aid (FA) applicants. Make presentations, lead workshops, and disseminate information regarding the college/financial aid in high schools and other community agencies; conduct recruitment efforts among targeted groups to promote financial aid availability and to encourage students to apply and educational advance. *
• 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 student, complete the verification process for selected students, using submitted documents that includes but not limited to federal tax returns. *
• Provide complex counseling, assistance and problem solve 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. *
• Assists in developing and establishing procedures and policies to implement new programs and/or activities and in formulating new program policies, procedures, and standards. *
• Assists 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. *
• Anticipates potential conflict and attempts resolution before problems occur; plans, evaluates, and consults with staff and outside entities to identify problems, explores solutions and alternatives, and recommends 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. *
• Maintain accurate reporting to COD/DOE of all Financial Aid eligible student records. *
• This position is aware of legislative issues and monitors the changes of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules to make sure student is 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.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS)

• Associate degree from an accredited institution AND three (3) years of experience in Financial Aid. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
• Possess comprehensive working knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Knowledge of Washington State Ethics Law and Residency Law.
• Knowledge of Title IX Education Act.
• Knowledge of institutional funding/waiver processes and financial literacy and loan disclosures.
• Knowledge of funding programs under WSAC, Title IV, Workforce Transitions, institutional scholarships, agency-based funding, institutional grants/waivers.
• Expertise in Internal Revenue Code as it applies to verifications, filing thresholds and allowable filing status.
• Experience and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following relevant systems and technologies: student management system (e.g., PeopleSoft), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), EdConnect, FAFSA, FAA Access, NSLDS, customer relationship management software (e.g., TargetX), WSAC, VAOnce, halFile, Bank Mobile, National Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) tools/library, Microsoft Office products.
• 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.
• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
• Have the ability to work with others as part of a team.
• Acceptance of the responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of students at all times.
• A demonstrable understanding and acceptance of the vision, mission, values, goals, objectives and strategic plan of CCS.
• The ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution, and community and technical college system.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting a teaching, learning and working environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of CCS Administrative Procedures that affect financial aid such as: Student Records, Tuition and Fees, Refunds, Degrees and Certificates etc.
• Experience with ctcLink (PeopleSoft).

TOTAL COMPENSATION WITH BENEFITS: $71,007 - $90,560.

Total compensation is an estimate based upon adding the following amounts together:

• Base compensation of $53,100 - $71,520, plus
• Current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates, plus
  • Click here for a full list of benefits.
• Median retirement fund contributions.

The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

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 an interview, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment.
• Work is sedentary in nature.
• Frequent use of computer and exposure to terminal screens.
• Visual focus and strain.
• Work in a semi-open office setting with frequent interruptions and background noise.
• 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; may be extended up to 12 months.
• This position is overtime eligible.
• Criminal background check required.

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

• CCS online application.
• Cover letter addressing your qualifications as applied to the responsibilities of this position. *
• Comprehensive resume. *
• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references.*
• College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable for initial application, official copies must be submitted upon acceptance of job offer.

NOTE: All of the above are required to ensure your consideration for this position. The item(s) marked with an asterisk are required attachments to your application prior to submission. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at CCS.recruiter@ccs.spokane.edu

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, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with disability, genetic information or any other legally protected category. Please direct all inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievances to the Chief Administration Officer, Community Colleges of Spokane, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., PO Box 6000, MS 1004, Spokane WA 99217-6000 or call 509-434-5037; WA Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.

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.

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 no longer a condition of employment.