Saddleback College

Financial Aid Specialist 

Bilingual Preferred (Spanish), (Lateral and External) (One or More Positions)

Initial Screening Date 05/12/2021

Pay Range: 125- starting salary at $4,675 per month, Plus 2% Bilingual Stipend (If Applicable)

Classification Benefits:

The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits to eligible employees, which includes medical and dental insurance, a vision-care plan, life insurance and dependent life coverage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and a long-term disability income-protection plan. All premiums are fully paid by the District. Mandatory retirement incentive is with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

PLEASE NOTE: In order to be considered for this opening, you must apply through the District website at https://jobs.socccd.edu

Under direction from higher level supervisory or management staff, performs a variety of complex duties involved in providing financial aid assistance and recommending available alternatives for students; processes and verifies student financial aid applications; develops and awards student financial aid packages in accordance with prescribed policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines; and participates in the coordination of the Federal Work Study program and Institutional Scholarship and Emergency Loan programs.

This is the journey level class within the Financial Aid Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Financial Aid Specialist in that the latter serves as a lead supervisor over lower level financial aid staff and assumes sole responsibility for administration of the Federal Perkins loan program and Due Diligence procedures. Employees at the Financial Aid Specialist level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to student financial aid.

• Methods and techniques of advising students regarding financial aid options and programs.

• Methods and techniques of public relations.

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

• Learn, interpret and apply District procedures and policies pertaining to financial aid.

• Learn, understand and effectively operate electronic financial aid processing software systems accurately and expeditiously.

• Analyze and verify a variety of financial data and evaluate student ability to pay for education.

• Prepare and award well balanced financial aid packages based upon determined needs.

• Respond to difficult inquiries and requests from students regarding financial aid options and programs.

• Identify student needs and assist students in locating financial alternatives.

• Independently prepare routine correspondence and memoranda.

• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.

• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

• Compile and analyze data and prepare related reports.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education/Training:

Equivalent to two years of college level course work in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration or a related field.

Experience:

Three years of responsible clerical and routine technical experience in a college financial aid office.

To Apply:

Please visit the District’s Employment Opportunities website at https://jobs.socccd.edu for a detailed job description, to learn more about the District and to complete an on-line application.  

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country.  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER