Financial Aid and Academic Advisor

Walla Walla Community College • Connell, WA

26d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Description OFM classification title: Program Specialist 2 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. As an organization, we value learning opportunities, a sense of community, diversity, health and humor, excellence, integrity, teamwork, innovation, personal and professional growth, and sustainability. 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. See Required Application Materials section.

Requirements

• Any combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job may be considered by the college.
• Associate degree from an accredited institution or two (2) years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated excellence in providing customer or student-centered service. This involves outstanding interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, and great attention to detail to ensure a positive and supportive experience for all clients or students.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. This includes the ability to convey information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms, and to interact positively with a diverse range of individuals.
• Experience working with computers and spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of college procedures that affect financial aid and student success such as: Student Records, Tuition and Fees, Refunds, Degrees, and Certificates etc.
• Experience with ctcLink (PeopleSoft).
• Experience working with Federal Financial Aid programs and resources.
• Demonstrated experience working with the criminal justice systems or incarcerated populations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Responsibilities

• 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 at CRCC.
• Reference 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• paid sick leave
• paid vacation leave
• retirement plan
• 3% of taxable income deferred into the State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) unless declined at time of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree