Financial Aid Program Specialist II

The Program Specialist II plays a key role in keeping vital college programs running smoothly in the financial aid department. If you are a detail-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, this role blends problem-solving, coordination, and meaningful impact on student success and would be a great fit for you.

Salary:

Starting salary is $5,054 per month which is based on $60,648; $29.04 per hour.  

Under general supervision, plan, organize, direct and coordinate operations for various financial aid programs.  The Program Specialist will serve as the loan coordinator for both the Federal Direct Student Loan program and Private loans and will manage reporting and reconciliation of the Washington State aid programs. They will oversee day-to-day program operations, function as the program representative and resource, and resolve problems within a delegated area of authority.

This position blends the utilization of higher-level technical skills while exercising independent judgement in applying financial aid regulations and determining student eligibility.

* Independently manage the Federal Direct Student Loan program, including determining eligibility and annual limits, processing Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note files, loan proration, and required monthly reconciliation

* Coordinate student loan default prevention activities, including working with external partners, student outreach, and communication campaigns

* Perform quarterly reporting and reconciliation of state aid including Washington College Grant (WCG) and College Bound Scholarship (CBS), complete all quarterly interim reports and may assist Executive Director with annual Unit Record Reporting

* Determine eligibility for WCG-Connect, WCG Bachelor's level grant amounts, and will assist in supporting WCG-Apprenticeship implementation and awarding

* Make award determinations that fit within each student's cost of attendance, ensuring that financial need is met and not exceeded

* Ensure compliance with Title IV, State, and Institutional regulations and policies related to financial aid programs and decision making

* Use advanced functionality within ctcLink (People Soft) and authorized external systems including navigating multiple system pages, running queries, uploading and downloading files, extracting data, and maintaining accurate program records

* Individually manage and keep a schedule to stay on track with weekly, monthly, and quarterly program required tasks and deadlines

* Run quarterly Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process and notify students of their status

* Provide accurate information and advice to students, staff, and the public regarding financial aid programs, policies, and procedures

* Maintain auditable records for all managed programs and assist in completing state and federal reports accurately and timely

* Collaborate with the Finance department to reconcile, close out, and resolve discrepancies in program accounts annually

* Independently problem-solve and troubleshoot system errors using program handbooks, system business processing guides, and internal policy and procedures

* Interpret and analyze data across multiple systems to make informed decisions in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies, including approved overrides and exceptions

* Maintain and develop procedures for continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and use of technology related to overseen programs to better serve students and staff

* Use word processing, graphics, statistical, spreadsheet, and/or database software

* Perform Excel processing tasks such as merging and sorting with spreadsheet and database files

* Actively seek out and participate in federal and state provided training and policy updates

* Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

* Excellent customer service and strong interpersonal skills

* Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholders

* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

* Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

* Ability to function well in a…