Program Specialist ; Financial Aid

Program Specialist 3

At a Glance! Lower Columbia College's Financial Aid department is currently accepting applications for our open Program Specialist 3 position. This role holds a pivotal position within the educational institution, serving as the lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) compliance, Bachelor's degree student support, and scholarship processing.

The Financial Aid team is a dynamic group of individuals whose mission is to provide equitable student support while fostering campus initiatives and growth.

The ideal candidate is an equity-driven, analytical financial aid professional dedicated to removing systemic barriers and ensuring student success. This individual excels at navigating complex federal and state regulations, leveraging database systems like People Soft (ctcLink) to manage critical caseloads, quarterly SAP reviews, and scholarship reconciliations with meticulous precision. A culturally responsive communicator and detail-oriented lead, they are skilled at establishing a student-centered environment, collaborating across campus partners, and advancing institutional goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This multifaceted role requires comprehensive knowledge of SAP regulations, expertise in supporting Bachelor's degree students, and proficiency in managing scholarship programs. The incumbent will play a central role in advancing the equity-centered mission of Lower Columbia College by ensuring smooth delivery of student financial aid to prospective and currently enrolled students and their families with a focus on advancing access to marginalized communities.

This position provides expertise in program, guidance, and support for identified student populations to ensure students have the best opportunity to achieve their educational goals. The nature of the work is professional, and requires an ability to interpret and work in accordance with federal, state, and college rules, policies, procedures, and regulations. The position performs highly complex duties that enables the department to maintain regulatory compliance.

This position is classified as a Program Specialist 3 by the State of Washington. This position is 40 hours per week with a typical schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00pm. This position will be primarily on campus with the potential for a regular hybrid schedule after the training period. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.

Why LCC? Visit our Candidate Hub to learn more about our campus, culture, and benefits.

Successful candidates typically start towards the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.

Financial Aid Responsibilities

• Understanding of the historical barriers for students (Black/African American, Indigenous, Latinx and Pacific Islander) and commitment to student success, applying an equity to the administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Assists in updating policy and procedure manual as needed for SAP processes, BA student support and scholarship processing management, including finding efficiencies in processes.
• Evaluating student eligibility by using tools such as ctcLink, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), Financial Aid Administrator's Access to FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP), and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) portal to perform daily tasks.
• Support and focus on the vision, mission, and goals of the organization and team.
• Other duties as assigned to support the goals and objectives of the department and the college.

Program Responsibilities – SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) LEAD:

• Lead department review of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process, including review of academic records, review of students on SAP probation to ensure standards are being met, including credits completed, pace, maximum timeframe, and GPA.
• Coordinate student grades quarterly with Registration.
• Run process in People Soft (ctcLink) related to SAP processing and grade/credit calculation on a quarterly basis.
• Prepare SAP appeals for staff and SAP Appeal…