Financial Aid Specialist I

Ohlone College

Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Experience working in the Post-Secondary environment

• Knowledge of Financial Aid systems (NSLDS, FAA Access, COD, FSA)

• Understanding of Title IV programs (Pell, Loans, Federal Work Study)

• Understanding of State Programs (Cal Grant, Chafee, Success Grant)

• Strong work ethic and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and follow through in a timely manner

• Excellent customer service skills

• Knowledge and understanding of student development and student services;

• Excellent listening, strong written and verbal communication skills;

• A strong student-focus, and an ability to enthusiastically and effectively assist students individually and in groups;

• Ability to interpret and research appropriate inquiries concerning student records and grades;

• Ability to communicate and access information through the internet and social media;

• Ability to work closely and collaborate with staff as well as college administrators, faculty and staff;

• Proficiency in MS Office suite as well as ability to learn software and database programs;

• Awareness of on-campus and community resources

Ohlone prides itself as a Learning College with the motto of “A World of Cultures United in Learning” and we are looking for staff who embrace diversity in serving students of varied backgrounds and learning styles, highly ethical, trustworthy, credible, loyal and is respectful of diverse views and opinions;

The college has a firm commitment to environmental sustainability and looks to all employees to support this important goal.

Job Description Summary: This is a 12 months, 100% Classified position

DEFINITION Under general supervision, process student financial aid applications and subsequent actions. Responsibilities include the review of financial aid applications, determining eligibility, ensuring proper documentation, and assisting students as they navigate the financial aid process. Tasks will also include having responsibility for other financial aid areas such as processing scholarships, responding to verifications of information, calculating overpayments, and approving student loan awards.

Essential Duties: ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Review financial aid applications for programs including, but not limited to, the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act, and/or the California College Promise Grant to ensure the appropriate documentation and information is provided, determine the type of aid that students are eligible for, and assess a student’s financial aid award amount;

• Enters financial aid data into appropriate database/s;

• Determine the amount of financial aid that students need to repay due to the withdrawal from school or issues with academic progress;

• Award student aid that is obtained through scholarships;

• Respond to requests for verification of information from organizations regarding housing verifications and aid verifications;

• Evaluate pending private loan certification requests to approve and certify loans;

• Distribute private loan checks;

• Develop reports related to financial aid;

• Conduct outreach activities on behalf of the financial aid department to provide information about the financial aid process and the Federal Work Study program;

• Ensure that students are provided notice to repay emergency grant funds;

• Contact students to notify them of incomplete documentation and ensure appropriate information is provided;

• Guide students through the financial aid process to assist with the completion of financial aid applications;

• File departmental documents, records, and reports;

• Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of the District’s students, faculty, staff and community;

• Effectively engage and support historically disproportionately impacted groups by addressing issues of equity and improving culturally responsive service-oriented practices;

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KNOWLEDGE OF

• State and Federal regulations governing financial aid;

• District policies governing the financial aid process;

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);

• Principles of effective customer service;

• Data gathering software;

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software;

• General office software and equipment.

SKILLS TO

• Apply knowledge of State, Federal, and District policies and regulations governing financial aid to ensure eligibility for different types of aid, student loans, and emergency grants; calculate the amount of aid and loans that students are eligible for; reconcile accounts and determine overpayments funds that need to be returned; respond to requests for information about student aid; and amount of aid to be returned;

• Apply knowledge of FERPA to not disclose student information to unauthorized parties;

• Use principles of effective customer service to communicate and assist students;

• Use data-gathering resources to run reports, as assigned;

• Use ERP software to enter financial aid information;

• Use general office software and equipment to develop reports, aggregate data, and communicate with District staff and students. ABILITY TO

• Ensure effective customer service during all interactions that exhibit sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, District staff, outside agencies, and visitors;

• Effectively maintain, update and utilize financial aid database/s;

• Ensure the accuracy of financial aid data and the proper disbursement of funds;

• Effectively assist students in applying for financial aid;

• File documents accurately;

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing;

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, students, outside agencies, and visitors. 

Education and Experience: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Any combination equivalent to an Associate’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent.

• Must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college employees and students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Salary Range:

CSEA Salary Schedule Range # 34$55,536 Annually$61,236 Annually$70,908 Annually

Posting Number:

S194-14

Close Date:

12/7/2022

Foreign Transcripts:

Transcripts issued outside the United States require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the filing deadline.

Benefits Statement:

HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS

1. Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, EAP and LTD

2. Membership in Public Employees’ Retirement System Candidates hired on or after January 1, 2013 are subject to restrictions imposed by PEPRA)

3. Contribution to O.A.S.D.I. (Social Security)

4. Paid vacation

5. Paid sick leave

6. Paid holidays and district-paid floating personal days

7. Summer 4/10 schedule (Fridays off)

8. Longevity pay step increase based on your years of service

9. IRS Section 125 Flexible Medical Spending Plan

10. 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (employee contributes)

11. 403(b) Tax Shelter Annuity Plan (employee contributes)

Benefits will be prorated for positions less than 100%

Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986:

Applicants selected for positions will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the federal “Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986.”

District Statement:

A multi-campus single community college district, Ohlone College is located in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay in California; serving 12,000 students per year. The District has a main campus in the City of Fremont and a newly constructed campus in the City of Newark. Ohlone College is an ethnically diverse institution that promotes innovation and continuous improvement in departments and divisions. The College is named for the native population living in the area when Mission San Jose was founded. The Fremont campus is located just south of the historical Mission. The Newark Campus is located near Interstate 880 and emphasizes programs in health, environment, and technology.

EEO Statement Summary:

The District is strongly committed to the principles of equal opportunity and to hiring qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our community. The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age (40 or over), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, military and veteran status, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related medical condition or any other protected basis in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants.

If you have a disability and are in need of special services, equipment, or facilities in order to apply or interview for this opening, please call the Human Resources office at: (510) 659-6088.

Conditions of Employment: Offers of employment are contingent upon Governing Board approval. Employment with Ohlone Community College is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements. All new employees are required to submit official transcripts, proof of freedom from tuberculosis and proof of vaccination from COVID-19. In addition, you will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the federal “Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986.” Pre-employment tests and/or medical examinations may be required. Ohlone Community College does not sponsor H1B visas. Employees must sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and submit fingerprints for CA Department of Justice clearance. Employees must be California residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their employment with Ohlone Community College District.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/3618217

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