Financial Aid Technician II

Financial Aid Technician II
Priority Application Deadline September 20, 2024. Position will remain open until filled.

Definition:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical clerical duties to process and award financial aid to college students; assists students throughout the financial aid process with the terminology and eligibility requirements; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics:
Employees in this class are assisting in the balancing of the financial aid records under the Federal and State program guidelines; reviews, completes and awards student’s financial aid.

Representative Duties:
The following duties are typical of those performed by employees in the classification, however, employees may perform other related duties not listed and each employee necessarily performs not all duties listed.
Assists in the coordination and management of the student worker program.
Develops and provides complete and current written information to students and parents about financial aid, including costs, application procedures and eligibility criteria.
Interprets and orally explains financial aid procedures to students, community agencies, faculty, staff and the public.
Evaluates financial aid packages to ensure materials meet Federal and State guidelines.
Calculates, awards and prepares disbursements of institutional funds for review.
Performs data load of financial aid data with Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission in the absence of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office Coordinator.
Assists students in completing applications and validates accuracy of information to meet Federal and State guidelines.
Processes applications and determines eligibility.
Records and maintains information in the data management system to maintain Federal guideline tables. Responds to student inquiries and maintains all financial aid records.
Assists in gathering information to submit to the State and/or Federal government to assure proper accounting for and receipt of funds.
Monitors student eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.
Notifies students of financial aid eligibility status and awards.
Performs a variety of specialized clerical duties.
Gathers, enters and retrieves financial aid data using scanner or computerized system.
Performs other related duties as assigned.


Knowledge of:
Federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the financial aid process.
Clerical and office skills.
Complex and changing state and federal regulations and procedures, including tax forms.
Financial aid programs.
College policies regarding satisfactory academic progress.
Accounting procedures and programs for balancing accounts, calculating eligibility, maintaining, and reporting financial records.
Program referral procedures.
Effective methods of working with the public.
Effective written and oral skills.
Basic research and evaluation methods.
Computer applications such as Word, Excel, e-mail and internet browsers.
Basic filing methods.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
General secretarial skills and techniques.
Organizational and prioritization skills.
Accurate recordkeeping operations and guidelines.


Ability to:
Learn District processes and procedures, rules, laws and regulations.
Learn financial aid programs and procedures.
Interpret and explain financial aid processes, rules and eligibility requirements.
Keep files current, accurate and in order.
Analyze and comply with requested data, reports and fiscal operations.
Make presentations to public, parents and students.
Read and interpret laws, rules and regulations.
Be efficient, well organized and maintain neatness.
Work independently with minimal direction.
Follow guidelines and directions as directed.
Meet the public, students, and faculty and staff cordially and effectively.
Provide customer service.
Enter and retrieve computer information accurately.
Use a computer database and interpret computer data.
Communicate with administrators, faculty, staff, students and the public.
Perform arithmetic calculations with accuracy.
Communicate effectively orally, in writing, manage time sensitive tasks, and maintain confidentiality.
Take responsibility and use professional judgment based on established guidelines and procedures.
Assume responsibility for routine clerical detail.
Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment including expert use of computers for word processing, record management and filing systems.
Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services.
Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records; prepare concise and complete reports as required.
Quickly learn a variety of technological programs, and use them all on a daily basis.


Working Conditions:

Assignments are typically 40 hours per week and 12 months per year.
May require over-time or evening hours throughout the year.
Generally, work is performed indoors but may involve traveling to complete assignments or for research, workshops, training or meetings.

Physical Requirements:
Vision sufficient to read documents and computer terminal displays.
Speech and hearing to communicate in person or by telephone.
Manual dexterity sufficient to use a variety of office equipment, computer keyboards and to handle paper.
Sit for long periods.
Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds such as paper and reports.
Ability to bend and reach to retrieve and file supplies, equipment and documents.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates and employees with physical disabilities.

Environment:
Community college campus serving a diverse student population and with an emphasis on student success. Work is primarily performed in busy office environment serving students, staff and the public.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Associate Degree or equivalent and one (1) year of experience working in an office setting. Instead of Associate Degree, the candidate may have high school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience working with state and federal reporting.

Desirable Qualifications:

One (1) year of experience in a higher education financial aid department, reviewing and awarding student financial aid; bilingual: Spanish/English; experience with Banner.

Salary and Benefits
The salary range for the position is a Range 21 on the Classified Salary Schedule with a range of $25.86-$28.52 per hour. This is a full-time, permanent position, at 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for participation in District benefits. West Kern Community College District offers a comprehensive fringe benefits program that includes District paid medical, dental and vision coverage for all employees and their dependents, as well as a generous vacation plan. Employees are eligible for membership in either CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Completed application through www.taftcollege.edu/human-resources.
2. A cover letter outlining your education and experiences relevant to this position.
3. A current resume.
4. Complete transcripts of all college/university coursework (unofficial acceptable).
5. Three (3) professional references.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Disclaimer
This program is categorically funded and continued employment is dependent upon adequate funding.