Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist I

Ohlone College

Salary: $59,748.00 - $76,284.00 Annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Division: Student Services

Opening Date: 01/12/2026

Location: Fremont Campus and/or Newark Center

Job Number:

Department: Student Services

Bargaining Unit: California School Employees Association (CSEA)

The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of Financial Aid and works effectively as part of the Financial Aid team. They are a quick learner with a strong work ethic and excellent attention to detail. The candidate demonstrates professionalism in working with students, including the ability to resolve issues efficiently and thoughtfully. They collaborate well with others, are trustworthy, and possess knowledge of FERPA regulations.

Strong communication skills are essential, along with familiarity with CCPG, the Chafee Grant, scholarships, Rising Scholars program, and when to refer students to the Basic Needs Department. This position is funded by categorical resources, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of these funds.

Under general supervision, process student financial aid applications and subsequent actions. Responsibilities include the review of financial aid applications, determining eligibility, ensuring proper documentation, and assisting students as they navigate the financial aid process. Tasks will also include other financial aid areas such as processing scholarships, responding to verifications of information, calculating over payments, and Financial Aid outreach.

• Review financial aid applications for programs including, but not limited to, the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act, and/or the California College Promise Grant to ensure appropriate documentation, determine aid eligibility, and assess award amounts.
• Enter financial aid data into appropriate databases.
• Determine the amount of financial aid students need to repay due to withdrawal from school or issues with academic progress.
• Respond to requests for verification of information from housing and aid verification organizations.
• Develop financial aid related reports.
• Conduct outreach activities representing the Financial Aid Office and providing information about the financial aid process and the Federal Work Study program.
• Participate in campus and community events to represent the Financial Aid Office and share information on available programs, applications, and deadlines.
• Assist in developing and distributing informational materials for workshops and events.
• Respond to inquiries during outreach activities and present to students and families regarding Financial Aid.
• Contact students to notify them of incomplete documentation and ensure appropriate information is provided.
• Guide students through the financial aid process to assist with application completion.
• Maintain departmental documents, records, and reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• State and Federal regulations governing financial aid.
• District policies governing the financial aid process.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Principles of effective customer service.
• Data gathering software.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• General office software and equipment.

• Apply knowledge of policies and regulations to ensure eligibility for aid, calculate aid amounts, reconcile accounts, and determine over payments.
• Apply knowledge of FERPA to protect student information.
• Use customer service principles to communicate and assist students.
• Run data-gathering reports as assigned.
• Enter financial aid information using ERP software.
• Develop reports, aggregate data, and communicate using general office software.

• Provide effective customer service that is sensitive to diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain, update, and utilize financial aid databases.
• Ensure accuracy of financial aid data and proper disbursement of funds.
• Assist students in applying for financial aid.
• File documents accurately.
• Communicate orally and in writing effectively.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.

• A…