Program Specialist 3: Financial Aid Coaching Specialist

North Seattle College is looking to hire a Financial Aid Coaching Specialist (Program Specialist 3) in Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs.

Salary Range for this position is $59,724 to $78,456 annually.

Application and required materials must be submitted no later than / Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin February 3, 2025.

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Office at Seattle College delivers high quality service to students, prospective students and college partners. We are committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes equity, justice, and cultural humility as integral components of academic excellence. We are committed to minimizing financial barriers to support students in achieving their educational goals. In addition, we provide detailed professional caring services to students with regard for individual circumstances. We respect the dignity of individuals and the privacy of confidential information. Our team works to ensure we are committed to the pursuit of equitable student learning outcomes for our diverse students. Candidates who can contribute to these values are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in these areas. Black, indigenous, People of Color, immigrant, LGBTQIA , and other historically marginalized candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Financial Aid Specialists will provide customer service and financial aid coaching to prospective and current students, their families and members of the community. Coaching may include navigation, assistance, and troubleshooting for students in the financial aid application process, documentation/verification process, and provide information on dependency overrides, income adjustments, and appeals. Specialists will need to anticipate potential areas of concern for students in the financial aid process and work with students to ensure their onboarding process is smooth.

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8am to 5pm.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College, and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

• Competitive Pay Rates
• Promotional Opportunities
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What you will be working on:

• Provide in-depth counseling to students, in person, via email, phone, and/or electronic meetings: analyzing case-by-case problems and recommending necessary or alternative courses of action to ensure student completion of financial aid and funding process.
• Advise students on completing financial aid applications with basic understanding of admissions application process, placement options, areas of study, and steps to enrollment. In doing so, you will advance equity, diversity, and inclusion for students by advocating for historically marginalized individuals, advocating for policy changes, community engagement, and/or self-advocacy.
• Provide excellent customer service by respectfully and effectively communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic and with diverse physical and learning abilities.
• Build and maintain working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public via email, phone, at the front counter, by appointment, during drop-in hours, and by presenting at informational sessions.
• Develop and conduct information sessions on the financial aid programs, application process, financial literacy education, and default management to students and/or outside groups such as high schools and service organizations.
• Present financial aid information during New Student Orientations, classroom visits and in collaboration with other student support programs. Present financial aid information using brochures, literature, and workshops directed toward students, parents and community groups.
• Serve as an advocate for individuals of historically oppressed communities.
• Specialists may be assigned as point of contact for one or more campus-based programs such as Work-study, TRIO, scholarships, cohort funding programs, etc. Required tasks will vary by program, but include:
• Interpret and stay current on frequently changing federal, state, and institutional regulations of assigned programs.
• Cross-train staff within department and outside departments, as needed.
• Support and enhance a sense of belonging and success for students from traditionally marginalized populations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, student workshops, and events.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate:

• Excellent student-centered customer service, outstanding interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students.
• Earned Associates Degree or beyond
• Two (2) years of experience with student financial aid, student development services, or related field in higher education that indicates successful performance of the essential functions of this position.
• Experience interpreting policies/procedures based on government regulations

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Federal and state resources available for training and compliance, including network of financial aid associations and annual conferences
• Systems used for processing, communicating, and overseeing student financial aid eligibility

Demonstrated ability to:

• Respectfully and effectively communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds including racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, and sexual orientation, and with diverse physical and learning abilities.
• Understand and interpret detailed information and trouble shoot and problem solve academic and systems issues, with attention to detail.
• Understand, interpret and apply complex federal regulations, and conduct research
• Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative
• Communicate clearly, collaboratively, and consistently
• Meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work
• Work evenings and weekends
• Must not be in default on any student loans

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.