Description

Clackamas Community College (CCC) seeks to hire a Financial Aid Specialist [full-time] classified staff position. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and candidates that may be from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

CCC is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in support of student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to understanding and dismantling systems of oppression and to co-creating a more equitable educational system that in turn fosters a more equitable society. We strive to be a student-ready institution that supports and partners with students to promote discovery and growth. We work to mobilize community-wide awareness and action related to College strategic priorities and seek to build relationships in support of community well-being. At CCC, individuals are celebrated for their experience and expertise, and are validated for their unique perspectives. CCC encourages faculty, staff, and students to be engaged in ways that reflect their needs and interests. To learn more about CCC visit Leadership, Vision and Initiatives.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Analyze student documentation to determine eligibility for aid programs. Complete verification processes as needed, review enrollment for compliance with requirements. Perform change in aid calculations based on student special requests. Certify and monitor loans programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Student File Review (50% – 60%)
   1. Complete file review and workup. Updating financial aid eligible program of study, determining maximum time-frame, calculating remaining terms of eligibility, noting attempted/completed credits, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status, reviewing Education Plan (if applicable), determine if current registered credits are eligible for funding by running and analyzing an evaluation, adjusting Cost of Attendance to enrollment level.
   2. Review federal and state websites for eligibility. Review and document data/eligibility from National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), C.O.D., OSAC, and/or CPS websites.
   3. Perform Verification as required by federal guidelines by comparing student Verification Worksheet to FAFSA data – student/parent financial information, household size/number in college, student/parent tax return data, high school equivalency completion, citizenship status, verifying identity, and Selective Service registration (when required).
   4. Award student with eligible funding to include federal, state and institutional aid. Calculate loan proration, determine adjustments and revisions, as needed.
   5. Scan submitted forms and documents and attach them to student financial aid file.
2. Award Compliance (25%)
   1. Review Academic Progress appeals to ensure students are meeting federal aid minimum standards.
   2. Review Maximum Time Frame Extensions for students. Place students on educational plan and monitor compliance with the plan.
   3. Add tuition waivers, scholarships, and alternative student’s loans to financial aid award. Review overall award and adjust to ensure students are not over-awarded aid.
   4. Review academic transcripts of federally selected student to determine if credits were earned while receiving Title IV funding.
   5. Review Dependency Override Petitions submitted by students and third-parties to see if student meets criteria for dependency override. If needed, perform override on federal website.
   6. Review Change in Circumstance petitions to determine if a change in financial situation warrants additional need.
   7. Review budget increase requests to verify if students meet the requirements to increase the Cost of Attendance.
   8. Review awards and make adjustments at census date (freeze date) to ensure correct funding and enrollment level.
   9. Reconcile federal and state grants and student loans.
3. Advise Students (15%)
   1. Counsel students regarding application process, aid programs, and student rights and responsibilities in compliance with aid guidelines.
   2. Provide front-line customer service, respond to emails, answer phones.
   3. Prepare and disseminate financial aid information for the general public and local high schools.
   4. May make presentations at informational meetings.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, other agencies, and the general public.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
• Participate in college committees when requested.
• Maintain proficiency by attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Maintain student confidentiality, data integrity, and comply with all related college, state, and federal standards, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of financial aid experience (awarding preferred), OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.

• Broad knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, policies and procedures to award aid.

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications software, office procedures, and operation of standard office equipment.

Other Job Elements

The physical demands listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position requires minimal (20-40%) ability to use dexterity and fine motor skills assemble, build or repair machines or other objects. Frequent (51-80% of the time) use of office equipment.

The position requires little (0-5%) physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or movement, etc. Movements required to complete work are not difficult, and only require a usual degree of agility and hand eye coordination.

The work environment is usually well-protected, with minimal hazards or obstacles (5-20%). There is little or minimal element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with minimal (5-20%) issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, or interactions of a disagreeable nature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, exposure to contagious disease, etc. Position may have minimal responsibility for driving.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. May provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel, and may assign work to student workers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of the Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Additional Information

PPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

When applying for this position, you will be required to complete the NeoGov application and attach the following electronic documents.
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter explaining your interest in the position and describing how you meet the minimum and special qualifications and requirements of the position.
3. If applicable: Veteran’s Preference documentation

Any applications which do not have the required documents attached will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered. CCC makes employment decisions based solely on the candidates demonstrated competencies as related to successful performance in the position.

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

Applicants are eligible to use Veterans Preference when applying with Clackamas Community College in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Military personnel who expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status on this job application, may also request preference. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) – OR – Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating a non-service connected pension.
• Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For information regarding Veterans Preference qualifications, visit the following website: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/veterans-preference.aspx

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• All positions at CCC are required to be available for work onsite as requested by the college.
• Requires flexible work schedule to meet program needs, which may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Employees must maintain Metro Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA residency as a condition of employment.
• Successful applicants must successfully pass a background inquiry, which may include criminal, driving, and full background checks. Only information relevant to the position will be considered. An individual with negative information on their background inquiry will not necessarily be denied employment.
• Providing false information will result in rejection of an application, employment offer or dismissal.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
CCC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.