Program Specialist - Financial Aid Federal Loan Programs

Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or the "College") seeks a Program Specialist 2 to interpret and apply federal, state, and college financial aid rules and regulations. The Program Specialist 2 will provide complex student financial aid program information to students, staff, and the public. This position will oversee and administer federal student loan programs and, as a member of the Financial Aid Office, provide in‑depth service to customers from various socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.

The Program Specialist 2 reports to the Assistant Director for Financial Aid.

This @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

• Independently oversee and perform all functions pertaining to the administration of federal student loans.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal regulations pertaining to federal student loan programs and consult with and advise the financial aid director and assistant director in updating policies and procedures.
• Act as department and program liaison with internal and external partners in communicating federal student loan information and resolving any problems that arise.
• Coordinate default management efforts with the College’s third‑party default management agency.
• Serve as backup to the staff members responsible for administering work study programs and financial aid application processing by back‑filling all required program functions and processes as needed.
• Analyze and evaluate student applicant data by interpreting and applying extensive knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
• Perform federal verification of student and parent information, including income/assets, as part of file review for a selection of student applicants.
• Review federal and state rules/regulations and make recommendations regarding office policy and procedures.
• Construct student aid awards, adhering to internal awarding policies and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Provide in‑depth customer service to students, the public and other staff within the institution regarding all matters related to financial aid.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
• Two (2) years of full‑time clerical experience.

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
• Experience working in higher education.

Analytical

Skills:

Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; design work flows and procedures.

Customer Service

Skills:

Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments.

Dependability: Follow instructions, respond to management direction; take responsibility for actions; keep commitments and complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Oral Communication: Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings.

Problem Solving

Skills:

Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Professionalism: Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments.

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism and cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the CBC Shared Commitments, e.g., being present and…