Financial Aid Program Specialist 2 Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 13834)

Description

Position Summary  

The Financial Aid Program Specialist 2 works in Financial Aid and Student Central under general supervision and reports to the Director of Financial Aid. This position independently collaborates with students and other staff to resolve complex issues and difficulties across all areas within. Additionally, the Program Specialist 2 provides information and assistance related to the resolution of residency issues, transferring credits from other institutions, and uses independent judgement to interpret and evaluate data submitted for financial aid. Essential to this position is the ability to fully understand and perform the work related to the federal and state work financial aid program in PeopleSoft (ctcLink). This position has primary responsibility for financial aid day to day operations and the programs that relate to financial aid.

The Program Specialist 2 position uses independent judgement to coordinate and support the Financial Aid functions in the office, and provides specialized information to program participants (students) and staff. This position also works with student data related to Student Central - a single service area for students, the public and the campus community. Incumbents will maintain current knowledge and skills in area of assignment; building collaborative relationships within the Bellevue College (BC) community and the community at large.

The nature of the work is professional and requires an ability to interpret and work following federal, state and college rules, and policies. Essential to this position is the ability to fully understand student data, student information system structures, processes and how this relates to and impacts student records.

This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

We are seeking qualified applicants to fill two (2) vacancies. This position allows telecommuting two (2) days per week. This is subject to change based on the needs of the department and the college.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $44,568/year - $59,508/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

The Financial Aid Office in collaboration with Student Central supports the mission of Bellevue College by providing high quality, flexible and accessible services, which support student access to educational opportunities that advance pluralism, inclusion, and global awareness. Student Central provides complex comprehensive and confidential service and information for programs identified as Enrollment Services, Evaluations and Graduation, and Financial Aid. Services include; providing information and access to functions related to transfer and evaluation of credits, graduation, prior learning credit, residency application processes, registration and all other enrollment functions, in addition to financial aid application processes required to award funds needed to pay for college. 

Essential Functions  

Provide direct services and information and assistance to students at Student Central

• Create a welcoming environment for the diverse Bellevue College community.
• Answer frequent questions through in-person interactions, email, phone, Zoom/Teams virtual platform, and the online ticketing system, about admissions, residency, registration, financial aid, transfer of credit, testing and placement, and graduation; provide comprehensive information, guidance, recommendations and resources.
• Properly document and record student information, submission of documentation, and provide summary of actions taken towards resolution of problems in the Student and Financial Aid Management System, currently known as ctcLink/PeopleSoft. 
• Provide technical assistance with processes related to financial aid. 
• Interpret and explain enrollment policies and procedures to students, faculty, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate and communicate with departments that provide support services that assist students in overcoming obstacles and problems they encounter,. These may include Academic
• Advising, Student Central, Disability Resource Center, Multicultural Services, Workforce Education, Counseling, and TRiO. 
• Communicate rules and practices governing confidentiality laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate financial aid documents needed to determine completion of financial aid requirements. Determine completeness of information, identity conflicting information, and take appropriate steps to communicate deficiencies to students. 
• Work cooperatively with departments, staff, faculty and administrators across campus, and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience. 
• Problem solve and independently advise by providing a variety of options to students based on individual needs regarding registration issues, payments and refunds, credit reviews, graduation, and financial aid. 
• Actively participate in department and Student Central meetings.

Perform, Organize, and Coordinate Operations for Financial Aid with focus on Customer Service and Outreach 

• Advise students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties regarding rules and regulations related to financial aid and work with little direction to resolve student problems or issues.
• Coordinate all aspects of the document uploading for employee and student uploads, loan revisions, enrollment status change forms, etc.
• Present Financial Aid at First Year Seminar classes, Discovery Day, and other outreach sessions. 
• Run FAFSA and WASFA workshops
• Gather data and report on activities as requested, such as file complete, R2s (second reviews), F02s (positive holds for tuition deferred, etc.)
• Run queries for and identify provisional independent students.
• Review website to ensure information is up to date, and recommend changes or updates as needed. 
• Maintain office forms. 
• Communicate with students by drafting letters that provide information to students regarding missing, or incomplete documentation, or the need for additional documentation.
• Through evaluation of documentation, perform tasks related to preliminary steps needed to offer financial aid funds as needed. 

Read, Interpret, and Implement Federal, State, College Regulations, and Policies

• Read and interpret federal and state regulations as they relate to financial aid application processes, and use independent judgement to advise students appropriately based on student specific circumstances.
• Attend training conferences, and or other related information sessions when offered to remain current in policies, procedures, and regulations related to financial aid.
• Obtain certifications from NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) or FSA (Federal Student Aid) Coach, as requested or needed to fulfill job requirements. 

Other duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work on special projects for the Director/Associate Director and serve as an inter-campus contact for the financial aid office.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Associate Degree. Any combination of relevant education and/or experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis
• Minimum one (1) year demonstrated experience working in an office setting
• Minimum one (1) year demonstrated experience working in a customer service setting with the public both on the phone and in-person
• Effective communication skills
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
• Demonstrated experience in effectively resolving customer service issues 
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse colleagues and/or students in a collaborative and inclusive environment
• Demonstrated experience in data entry and reporting

 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience with PeopleSoft (ctcLink)
• Experience working in a Financial Aid or related office
• Experience working with any of the following or similar programs - Federal and/or State Work Study
• Demonstrated experience working in a financial aid office in a higher education setting

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 06/09/2024 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu . 

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