Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Monterey, CA

OPEN UNTIL FILLED: application review August 25, 2022

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under direction of the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, or other administrator, the Financial Aid Lead works closely with the Director to ensure compliance with all associated reporting and auditing requirements, and coordinating the work of the department.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Keep knowledge of financial aid regulations and procedures current through self-study and communication, and communicate changes to Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services and other Financial Aid staff as assigned by the Director.

Make recommendations to the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services to develop and modify work processes in response to legislative mandates and regulation changes.

In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, prepare a variety of state and federal reports, state and federal audits, and institutional data requests; participate in program review activities; compose and/or edit a variety of publications, including class schedules; prepare budget reports, special reports, proposals, recommendations, and other materials as requested.

Serve as the liaison between Financial Aid and other departments in coordinating financial aid workshops and presentations for students, their families, other educational institutions, and community-based organizations as requested.

Coordinate with enrollment services and financial aid staff regarding area changes, updates, and activities.

Provide technical information and assistance to students, staff, administrators, and others concerning financial aid and scholarships, interpret policies and regulations and determine appropriate courses of action in unusual and complex circumstances.

Serve as the backup to the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services in calculating student academic progress status; overseeing communication of status, and supporting the coordination of the student academic progress appeal process, including serving as a committee functioning member.

Process Board of Governor's Waiver (BOGW) applications and other fee waiver programs according to established procedures.

Maintain external contacts with government agencies and other community colleges for the purpose of coordinating, obtaining, and verifying information; communicate decisions to students as needed.

In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, design and implement continuous improvement programs in all Financial Aid Office processes, procedures, and technology use.

Assist the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services in developing and conducting training for new staff and student workers; oversee student workers and develop their weekly work schedules.

In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, maintain operational support of computer systems and their interfaces related to the financial aid module; including systems analysis to determine such things as solutions for implementation of new federal or state regulatory maintenance package, or implementation of a new state aid program, or troubleshooting interfaces with the Department of Education.

Coordinate and collaborate with the College's Information Technology Resources Department and others regarding new, revised, and updated computerized system programs/processes within Financial Aid module.

Serve on campus committees as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Rules, regulations, procedures, policies and function of federal, State and District financial aid programs, including but not limited to grant and loan programs, scholarships

Personal and financial problems encountered by college students and parents

Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques

Modern office practices, procedures and equipment

Oral and written communication skills

College and community resources for students

Applicable computer operation and software such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

District organization, operations, policies and objectives

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy and that encourage collaboration and conflict resolution

Technical aspects of field of specialty

SKILLS AND ABILITY TO:

Ensure timely, efficient and effective delivery of services to students regarding financial aid, scholarships

Analyze systems and processes, identify gaps or breakdowns, and identify solutions to address deficiencies

Utilize District computer information systems and its Enterprise Resource Planning system of record to perform financial aid functions and ensure data and report accuracy and integrity

Advise, counsel and interview students regarding financial aid programs

Utilize and apply the technology of word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications and quickly learn new programs

Learn and apply applicable sections of the State Education Code and other laws and regulations, District organization, operations, policies and objectives.

Communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing

Prepare and maintain confidential and complex records and files

Work independently with limited direction

Interpret and communicate complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures effectively

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Keyboard at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position

Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately

Understand and follow oral and written directions

Plan and organize work

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

Work effectively with frequent interruptions

Train and provide work direction to others

Utilize correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

Understand and implement District operations, policies and objectives

Keyboard at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position

Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately

Conduct workshops and presentations for students, parents and other groups

Meet schedules and time lines

Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, and five years of responsible experience in financial aid or a related function.

Bilingual (Spanish/English), desired.

Eligibility to access the National Student Loan Data System

Valid CA driver's license

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Regular, full-time, 12 months per year classified position. Weekly Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Starting salary $5,309/monthly (Step A). Range 34 on the CSEA salary schedule: $5,309/month to $6,453/month (5 Steps). Must be able to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed during peak registration periods and must be eligible to access the National Student Loan Data System. District provides health benefits, which currently consist of full medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and a high percentage of coverage for eligible dependents. District-paid life, accident and income protection insurance is provided for the employee only. Must become a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The following documents MUST be uploaded as attachments to your on-line application:

1) Resume
2) Cover letter
3) Copy of college/university transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)

It is the policy of the Hartnell Community College District that no person shall be discriminated against in any employment procedure on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The College actively seeks applications from candidates who have multi-cultural experience. Contact the Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity if you need any special accommodations to complete the application process.

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