Financial Aid and Academic Advisor

Financial Aid And Academic Advisor (Program Specialist
2)

Join our team to help inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities and services.

Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) is seeking applicants for a Financial Aid and Academic Advisor (Program Specialist
2) position for the WWCC Correction Education program located at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC) in Connell, Washington. This position is filled to fulfill a contract awarded to Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (WSBCTC) to operate a correctional education program at CRCC in accordance with an interagency agreement with the Department of Corrections.

Walla Walla Community College and its employees working in a correctional education program are expected to follow all Department of Corrections (DOC) Policies, IT and other Security requirements, follow DOC Operational Memorandums, and comply with the Superintendent's directions.

At Walla Walla Community College, we inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities and services. This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by 8/3/2026 @ 11:59pm PST.

General Responsibilities:

The Financial Aid and Academic Advisor will work onsite at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC) in Connell, Washington with incarcerated individuals. The primary focus of the role is to explain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Pell Grant, and other funding sources available to students, and ensure all necessary documentation is complete and submitted to the Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) Financial Aid department.

The secondary focus is to provide academic advising and monitor degree requirements to assist students in certificate and degree completion.

Essential Functions:

Act as the primary advisor for Prison Education Program (PEP) students. Meet with incarcerated individuals at CRCC to explain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Pell Grant, and other funding sources available for Prison Education Programs (PEP). Provide ethical advising and assistance to understand program requirements, making informed decisions regarding Pell and other funding sources, and meeting educational goals.

Collect and process necessary paperwork required for the college Financial Aid department and the Department of Education. Keep detailed records, copies of completed paperwork, and track all necessary components of paperwork to completion in required databases and spreadsheets. Assist with quarterly processes such as Satisfactory Academic Process (SAP). Participate in the grade appeals process, when necessary. Work with program participants, staff, representatives of outside organizations, and/or members of the public in defining the needs and planning, designing, and developing specialized program activities.

Monitor student placement and maintain a working understanding of educational programs erence degree audits and Excel trackers to best advise students on their financial aid needs and academic progress in a timely manner. Track, enrollment, progression, and completion outcomes for all program participants. Work with Program Coordinators to assist during Student Advising days. Liaise with the Education Navigator at CRCC to advise re-entry students on educational opportunities, academic progress, and funding sources, helping them identify and choose the best academic paths to achieve their goals.

Training and compliance Receive training from and coordinate with Financial Aid staff to assist students in navigating the financial aid process, problem resolution, appeals, regulatory requirements, and general information. Attend trainings and professional development opportunities, including state and federal meetings, as needed. Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes, and collective bargaining agreements.

Support and advance WWCC's strategic plan, and perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. Proven ability to work within deadlines. Must be able to work as a member of a team. Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies and procedures received from multiple sources. Must be task oriented and able to streamline processes after evaluating areas. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentially.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations and/or verify information accurately. Ability to represent the department and WWCC in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.

Required Qualifications:

Any combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the applicant with the…