Program Specialist 3
Salary
$4,980.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly
Location
1600 Maple St., Longview, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
202600284
Division
Student Services (Division)
Department
Financial Aid
Opening Date
07/04/2024
Closing Date
7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Details
At a Glance! Lower Columbia College's Financial Aid department is currently accepting applications for our open Program Specialist 3 position. This role holds a pivotal position within the educational institution, serving as the lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) compliance, Bachelors degree student support, and scholarship processing.
The Financial Aid team is a dynamic group of individuals whose mission is to provide equitable student support while fostering campus initiatives and growth.
Who You Are: The ideal candidate is an equity-driven, analytical financial aid professional dedicated to removing systemic barriers and ensuring student success. This individual excels at navigating complex federal and state regulations, leveraging database systems like PeopleSoft (ctcLink) to manage critical caseloads, quarterly SAP reviews, and scholarship reconciliations with meticulous precision. A culturally responsive communicator and detail-oriented lead, they are skilled at establishing a student-centered environment, collaborating across campus partners, and advancing institutional goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Position: This multifaceted role requires comprehensive knowledge of SAP regulations, expertise in supporting Bachelors degree students, and proficiency in managing scholarship programs. The incumbent will play a central role in advancing the equity-centered mission of Lower Columbia College by ensuring smooth delivery of student financial aid to prospective and currently enrolled students and their families with a focus on advancing access to marginalized communities.
This position provides expertise in program, guidance, and support for identified student populations to ensure students have the best opportunity to achieve their educational goals. The nature of the work is professional, and requires an ability to interpret and work in accordance with federal, state, and college rules, policies, procedures, and regulations. The position performs highly complex duties that enables the department to maintain regulatory compliance.
This position is classified as a Program Specialist 3 by the State of Washington. This position is 40 hours per week with a typical schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00pm. This position will be primarily on campus with the potential for a regular hybrid schedule after the training period. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.
Why LCC? Visit our Candidate Hub to learn more about our campus, culture, and benefits.
Successful candidates typically start towards the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.
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Example of Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Aid Responsibilities
Program Responsibilities - SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) LEAD:
Program Responsibilities - BA student support LEAD:
Program Responsibilities - Scholarship Processing LEAD:
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Responsibilities
This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in a relevant field, OR a combination of education and work experience.
Two years of full-time work experience in an educational environment providing direct student services (such as academic advising, One-Stop, Financial Aid, TRiO, multicultural services, or Work Force Education).
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suites.
Experience working with electronic information management systems/database software including state and federal financial aid platforms.
Analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to evaluate aid applications.
Experience working with privacy laws and confidentiality issues.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
Collaborates effectively with diverse populations to build an inclusive, customer-service-oriented, and student-centered environment.
Ability to work accurately with numbers and detail.
Ability to access federal student aid systems by not being in default on a federal student loan.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
Two years of full-time financial aid work experience.
Experience supporting students in Bachelor Degree Programs.
Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Russian, and Chuukese).
Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and requirements.
Demonstrated experience with database systems and federal databases and programs such as NSLDS, COD and FPP.
Professional credential (s) from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Association (NASFAA) or Certified Financial Aid Administrator (FAAC) designation preferred.
Experience with PeopleSoft or other Financial Aid Management systems.
The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you dont meet exactly whats listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.
Supplemental Information
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington States Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the Colleges commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia Colleges Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.
Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct
Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employers or professional associations. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCCs Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.
Application Procedure and Requirements
An online application must be completed for consideration. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):
Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Conditions of Employment
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
Lower Columbia College Human Resources
For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at hr@lowercolumbia.edu.
Insurance
We offer an affordable benefits package that delivers choice, access, value, and stability to you and your family. You have medical and dental coverage, life insurance, long-term disability, and the option to enroll in a medical Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Program. For more information on health care benefits, please visit Washington Health Care Authority.
Retirement
Employees participate in either PERS Plan 2 or PERS Plan 3 administered through the Department of Retirements Systems. Both plans are matched by LCC. There are also two supplemental tax-deferred retirement plans you can elect to participate in: the State Board Voluntary Investment Program and the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program.
Other Benefits
Paid leave & paid holidays
LCC offers generous paid leave as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which includes vacation leave, sick leave, one personal holiday, two personal leave days, paid bereavement leave, and paid jury duty leave. Employees get 11 paid holidays per calendar year. Paid leave and paid holidays are prorated based on FTE.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Tuition Waiver
Once Classified employees complete their probationary period, they are eligible to take $10 classes at LCC. State employees also qualify for tuition discounts with other various colleges and universities across the state (RCW 28B.15.558).
Red Devil Wellbeing
Red Devil Wellbeing is LCCs employee wellness program that strives to help employees improve and maintain their wellbeing enabling them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
On-site Childcare Center
The Early Learning Center is a state licensed program that offers high quality childcare for children ages 1 month through kindergarten entry to students, staff and faculty. The center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program is a participant of the Washington State Early Achievers quality rating and improvement system and rated a level 4-Quality Level of Excellence. Our teachers are trained in the Early Childhood Education field.
Additional Leave
01
Please describe any other ways outside of education and direct experience that you believe demonstrate your ability to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position.
02
How do you successfully communicate complex information to diverse customers?
03
Please discuss your experience working with diverse populations
04
How many years of experience do you have working in an educational environment providing direct student services (such as academic advising, One-Stop, Financial Aid, TRiO, multicultural services, or Work Force Education).
05
Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Washington or Oregon to obtain employment at Lower Columbia College?
06
Are you able to provide proof of legal authorization to work in the U.S. upon hire?
07
Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship in the United States?
08
OPTIONAL: If you answered yes to the previous question, you can use this field to provide an explanation.
09
How did you hear about this position?
Required Question
Employer Lower Columbia College
Address 1600 Maple Street
Longview, Washington, 98632
Phone 360-442-2120
Website http://www.lowercolumbia.edu