Program Specialist 2 – Financial Aid

Columbia Basin College (“CBC” or the “College”) seeks a Program Specialist 2 to interpret and apply federal, state and institutional financial aid rules and regulations in determining student eligibility for financial aid funding. The Program Specialist 2 will provide complex student financial aid program information to students, staff and the public. This position will oversee and administer Washington State financial aid programs and private student loans. As a member of the Financial Aid Office, the Program Specialist 2 will provide in-depth customer service to customers from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The Program Specialist 2 reports to the Assistant Director for Financial Aid.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by February 12, 2023 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

As a condition of employment, Classified staff must be fully vaccinated.  Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. Need more information?   Please contact covidvaccinemandate@columbiabasin.edu.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Independently oversee and perform all functions pertaining to Washington State financial aid programs (including but not limited to WA College Bound Scholarship, Passport Scholarship and National Guard Grant) and private student loans; manage funding allocations, determine student eligibility, run necessary processes, generate and analyze reports, and create, modify and reconcile awards;
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal and state financial aid awarding rules and regulations and advise the Director for Financial Aid and Assistant Director in updating policies and procedures;
• Act as department and program liaison with Washington Student Achievement Council, private lenders and other external partners by providing consultation regarding student award information and process improvement;
• Coordinate regularly with other departments including Accounting Services, Counseling and Advising, and Student Records to share student data required to determine eligibility for State financial aid programs and private student loans;
• Serve as backup to the staff member responsible for administering scholarship programs by back-filling all required program functions and processes as needed;
• Analyze and evaluate student applicant data by applying extensive knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs;
• Perform federal verification of student and parent information, including income/assets, as part of file review for a selection of student applicants;
• Review federal and state rules/regulations and make recommendations regarding office policy and procedures;
• Construct student aid awards, adhering to internal awarding policies and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations;
• Calculate and review satisfactory academic progress for aid applicants and recipients;
• Provide in-depth customer service to students, the public and other staff within the institution regarding all matters related to financial aid;
• Deliver periodic on-campus and community financial aid presentations; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
• Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience.
  OR
• Equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education.