Financial Aid Assistant I

Posting Number: 0001898
Location: Los Medanos College
Salary: $49,656 (Step 1) - $60,492 (Step 5) per year (see special instructions for step placement)

Position Definition:
To perform a variety of routine activities involving the dissemination of financial aid information to students; and to perform technical and clerical tasks in the maintenance and documentation of financial aid information.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
Financial Aid Assistant I - Positions in this classification are focused on routine, process driven tasks and performs less complex clerical or program support assignments while learning financial aid policies and procedures. Positions at this level usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement than that of a Financial Aid Assistant II.

Financial Aid Assistant II - Positions in this classification are assigned to the day-to-day complex technical duties in addition to general clerical work related to the assignment. Employees in this position have experienced knowledge of financial aid programs and procedures to independently assist students, staff, and community members at the front counter, over the phone, and through written and electronic correspondence.

Financial Aid Specialist - Positions in this classification are responsible for performing more specialized and complex technical duties within the work unit. Employees in this position also provide training and direction to departmental staff on a regular basis.

Financial Aid Specialist, Lead - Positions in this classification will help train and coordinate financial aid personnel. Employees in this position serve as an assistant to the Financial Aid Manager and provides on-going technical and functional lead supervision to the office staff.

Examples of Duties/Essential Functions:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Provides applications, information, and assistance to students regarding available financial aid programs, such as grants, loans, scholarships, and work study opportunities.
Reviews financial aid application forms for accuracy and completeness; secures additional information from students as necessary; processes applications using District, state, and federal database; prepares and maintains student files.
Determines student eligibility for financial aid based upon student needs and program guidelines, policies and procedures; creates aid packages; notifies students of awards or denial of awards.
Maintains state and federal financial aid consumer information, applications, and forms; maintains office supplies.
Attends workshops and trainings to remain current with relevant laws, rules and regulations.
Assists in the development and modification of forms and procedures to ensure compliance with changing District, state and federal regulations.
Assists in compiling, analyzing, and maintaining data for record maintenance and preparation of various reports.
Assists in processing Federal Work Study paperwork; complies statistical data; and processes changes in student allocations.
Processes correspondence received by department via mail, email, and fax.
Participates in outreach functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
One (1) year of experience performing clerical duties, including basic recordkeeping and significant public contact in an office environment.

EDUCATION/LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of a high school diploma/GED or the equivalent.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Must not have any unresolved financial issues with the U. S. Department of Education that would prohibit the ability to obtain National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) access immediately

Knowledge Of:
Knowledge of:
Recordkeeping rules and procedures.
Basic mathematics.
Modern office procedures, practices and technology/equipment.
Modern software applications (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)

Skill To:
N/A

Ability To:
Skill/Ability to:
Provide accurate information to students and other financial aid personnel.
Learn relevant laws, rules and regulations through ongoing training attendance.
Learn, understand and apply relevant District, state and federal regulations, procedures and policies related to available loans and grants for students.
Perform assigned tasks in a high-volume environment, often under time pressure.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Handle sensitive or confidential materials and situations.
Learn complex financial aid applications and relevant software.
Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Identify pertinent financial information and learn to understand how various financial aid programs operate.
Perform a variety of clerical and recordkeeping tasks with accuracy using appropriate technology.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, and religious background of all students, faculty and staff, and with all individuals encountered in the performance of required duties.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrate commitment to fostering student equity and inclusion and working with diverse cultures.
• Knowledge of FERPA regulations
• Demonstrate experience working in a fast-paced environment that requires efficiency and accuracy.
• Experience supporting students in disseminating sensitive information, identifying concerns, and providing appropriate guidance to address student concerns.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Experience with MS Outlook, MS Excel, databases, Colleague, and SARS preferred.

Special Instructions:
Note: New employees will be placed at the first step which is $49,656 per year, second step $52,176 per year or third step at $54,804 per year (depending upon experience). Based on current salary placement guidelines, all step increases for which an employee becomes eligible shall take place on July 1st of each fiscal year. These increases will occur, on annual basis, until the maximum step of $60,492 per year is reached on the salary schedule.

YEARLY SALARY: $49,656, STEP 1 - $60,492, STEP 5

Job Close Date: 9/13/2023
Open Until Filled: No