Program Specialist 2

Our Mission Statement:

Yakima Valley College serves all students holistically, supports all students’ learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways. 

We strengthen our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement. 

Yakima Valley College is accepting applications for a Program Specialist 2 for Student Recruitment and Retention, Financial Aid, position in the Student Services – Financial Aid Office. This is a full-time, in person, classified position at the Yakima campus. The beginning salary is $3,643 per month for 40 hours per week, with periodic increments up to $4,865 plus a full state benefits package.

Reporting to the Director – Financial Aid, the Program Specialist 2 for Student Recruitment and Retention, Financial Aid, works under general supervision and plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates student financial aid services. The Program Specialist 2 oversees day-to-day financial aid operations; functions as the program representative and resource; has extensive contact with program participants, faculty counselors, and outside entities; and resolves problems within a delegated area of authority. Unusual problems, probable outcomes, and solutions are presented to higher levels for resolution. 

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. A hybrid schedule may be considered if the office as a whole, meets customer service needs.

• Provides information and technical assistance to program participants, staff, and outside entities regarding program content, policies, and activities and recommends alternative courses of action; promotes the program with outside organizations and resources.
• Maintains a current and thorough understanding of potential financial aid and other support resources for students who qualify for US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Washington state Higher Education Real Hope Act, SB 6523 eligibility.
• Identifies all potential sources of student financial aid and related support resources;
• Processes applications and guides students through the use of the Financial Aid Portal. Potential sources of aid may include federal, state, private, and institutional student aid including funding specifically for individuals who do not qualify for federal student financial aid assistance due to their citizenship or immigration status.
• As a program representative, attends college-wide advising events such as welcome events, new student orientations, advising days, and conferences.
• Develops and makes public presentations.
• Confers regularly with staff and outside entities regarding the interpretation and implementation of financial aid policies; participates in establishing program standards and identifying areas for program development.
• Provides individualized service for program participants, including but not limited to reminding students about deadlines and following up if deadlines are missed.
• Prepares training and informational materials.
• Provides financial aid workshops for a variety of audiences including students, community members, faculty, and staff.
• Monitors financial aid activities concerning student retention, completion, transfer, and reengagement.
• May direct the work of others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Experience in a higher education setting.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong technology skills, particularly as they relate to e-communications and data management.
• Expressed interest in working with diverse student populations and the public.
• Bilingual written and verbal skills in English and Spanish.
• Three years of experience in a student financial aid office at a college or university.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Financial aid programs, regulations, and rules pertaining to the exercise of professional judgment.
• Important processing dates that determine when tasks must be completed.
• Impact of role on enrollment management and student success.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• Provide effective presentations through public speaking.
• Learn and incorporate new technology and all its functionality.
• Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete YVC Online Employment Application, and include the following REQUIRED attachments:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume (a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application).
• Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional).
• Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire.  
• Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications.

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Candidates invited for interviews may be required to complete a skills test.

Candidates may be subject to a Criminal History Background Check as a condition for consideration of employment.

"In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire."

Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource Services, YVC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call 509.574.4670.  Equal Opportunity - Yakima Valley College (yvcc.edu) 

Yakima Valley College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.yvcc.edu/services/safety-security, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 509.574.4610.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible.

All positions are subject to funding. 

Salary : $43,716 - $58,380