FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST III

San Jose Evergreen Community College District•San Jose, CA

70d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist III reports to the Director of Financial Aid at San Jose City College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This position is represented by CSEA (California School Employees Association), Chapter 363. Under the direction of a Financial Aid Officer, assign and review financial aid packages prior to their submittal, serve as a technical resource in the financial aid office for other Specialists and oversee the office in the absence of the Financial Aid Officer; perform specialized financial aid functions on an on-going basis in support of the overall program including loan packaging, and awarding, and Veterans' Program activities.

Requirements

An Associate's degree supplemented by college course work in business, accounting, social services or related field.
Four years of increasingly responsible experience involving statistical and financial record-keeping and public contact in a social services related field, including at least three years of financial aid experience.
Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District's hiring policy; or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Nice To Haves

For positions that require a degree or coursework: Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. All degrees and credits earned outside of the United States must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course) of the transcripts and must be submitted with the application. Degrees earned outside of the U.S. without a U.S. credential evaluation attached, will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Financial Aid Office in the absence of the Financial Aid Officer.
Provide work direction and guidance to other Financial Aid Specialists; respond to technical questions and assist in training of new personnel; provide direction to student workers.
Assist students in applying for various types of Federal, State and other financial aid programs and Veterans benefits.
Provide final review of applications and required documentation to determine financial need and program eligibility for a variety of Federal, State and District programs and award/package aid including loans.
Interview veterans for benefit eligibility; prepare and maintain all documentation and files for program audits.
Recalculate financial need as required; evaluate special circumstances to override need analysis results and increase or decrease awards.
Refer students to other District or community resources as appropriate.
Provide information and assistance to students and parents regarding financial aid programs, applications and eligibility; interpret and explain Federal, State and District regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.
Participate in the student petition process and in evaluating cases requiring professional judgment.
Monitor continued eligibility of students; evaluate and monitor satisfactory academic progress; amend student awards according to changes; coordinate outside sources of assistance.
Interview and counsel students and parents concerning cost of education, program requirements and recommend resources and courses of action as appropriate.
Perform technical duties related to departmental computer systems; implement, test and debug program changes; assist in determining packaging parameters.
Perform needs analysis and package students for financial aid programs; enter and revise data in the computer; generate, file and distribute award letters.
Communicate with various District departments and personnel, governmental and private agencies, other colleges, financial institutions and the public.
Maintain current knowledge of State and Federal financial aid programs; attend meetings, workshops and conferences regarding changes in eligibility requirements, application procedures and other issues.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records, files and reports related to financial aid activities; compile and maintain statistical data for inclusion in State and Federal reports.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the job classification.

Benefits

In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for the choice of one of the District's excellent Health Benefits and Welfare plans, which the premium cost is 100% paid by the District for the employee and their eligible dependents, and one health plan costing an estimated $60,000 for the District for fiscal year 2025-2026. We offer two medical plans (Anthem Blue Cross [PPO] and Kaiser Permanente (HMO]); dental (Delta Dental PPO); vision (VSP Choice); life insurance for the employee (The Hartford); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Hartford); a long term disability/income protection plan (The Hartford); and an employee assistance plan (Anthem EAP).
In addition, the District contributes an additional 26.81% of the employee's salary towards an eligible employee's pension (CalPERS).
Employees may also elect to participate in optional plans including purchasing additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependent(s); enroll in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and set pre-taxed dollars aside to supplement their pension in a 403b (tax shelter annuity) and/or a 457 (deferred compensation) plan(s).
Classified employees also earn 10 to 22 days per year of vacation (based on years of service), and up to 12 sick leave days (pro-rated for less than full-time positions). There are currently 20 paid holidays.

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