Job Description:

Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist
Location: Centralia College
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 14075
About Us

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Job Description

Position Purpose:

This position will primarily work with high school students, parents and staff to increase FAFSA and WASFA application completion, scholarship application completion, and college enrollments. The Financial Aid Specialist will report to and assist the Director of Financial Aid with program development, data collection and analysis, and implementing strategies associated with securing new student enrollments and student retention. This position is responsible for the implementation of FAFSA and WASFA outreach efforts and related programming, including but not limited to recruitment events, family nights, and associated marketing efforts. This position is expected to work occasionally in the evening as program needs demand and includes regular travel throughout Centralia College service area at multiple locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Outreach

• Develop, implement, and lead FAFSA/WASFA outreach efforts to participating high schools
  
  


• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with participant high school principals, counselors, and students
  
  


• Work with college and high school staff to develop and implement best practices related to high school recruitment and retention targeted at a diverse population of students
  
  


• Focus recruitment efforts on students who typically do not attend college including low-income, first-generation, and students of color

Programming and Student Support

• Facilitate services including off-campus school visits, student interaction tracking, presentations to students, parents and other stakeholders, and event coordination
  
  


• Provide programming and interventions aimed at increasing FAFSA and WASFA completion
  
  


• Assist students with FAFSA and WASFA processing, scholarship applications, college applications, and other college placement functions
  
  


• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, parents, and high school staff for FAFSA and WASFS questions
  
  

Reporting and Analysis

• Track students, collect, analyze, and report on data related to student financial aid status, outreach, enrollment, and retention
  
  


• Assess student financial aid and college enrollment progress and make additional referrals for student support as needed
  
  

Financial Aid Office Support

• Assist staff in financial aid award processing with a primary focus on students from partner high schools
  
  


• Support office staff with general customer service needs including but not limited to front desk coverage, phone and email response, and meeting participation
  
  

Additional Function

• Represent the college at statewide, local, and college meetings
  
  


• Other duties as assigned
  
  

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job. The financial aid team is extremely collaborative, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree


• 2 years relevant work experience OR
  


• Equivalent education and experience
  
  


• Demonstrated experience navigating educational systems
  
  


• Two years' experience in secondary or higher education
  
  


• Demonstrated experience working with underserved students including low-income, first-generation college goers, students of color, and students whose primary language in not English
  
  


• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  
  


• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines while being attentive to detail
  
  


• Demonstrated experience working effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds, such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic, and with diverse physical and learning disabilities
  
  


• Demonstrated knowledge of college recruitment strategies for underserved student populations
  
  


• Proven high motivated, self-starter, flexible and adaptable
  
  


• Strong organization and problem-solving skills
  
  

Conditions of Employment

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional technical overtime eligible exempt position. The salary is $47,050 - 53,500 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on August 19, 2024. Position is open until filled.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $47,050 - 53,500 (DOQ/DOE)

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• 
  Online Application
  
  
  


• 
  Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
  
  


• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
  
  


• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Background Check

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

EEO Statement

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Jeanne Clery Statement

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Title IX Statement

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.

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