Cabrillo College

Financial Aid Advisor

Job# 2022-01393

Salary: See Position Description

Deadline: 4/22/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Full job description and OFFICIAL application available ONLY at: http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=226423

This full-time, 12-months per year, Financial Aid Advisor performs technical duties related to the review, evaluation and processing of student financial aid information; provides financial aid information, assist­ance and advice to students; performs student financial needs analyses, determines eligibility and packages awards in accordance with District policies and federal, state and local requirements; reconciles a variety of funds and imple­ments other operational projects.

The ideal candidate will share Cabrillo's commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. Cabrillo College serves approximately 11,400 students per term, of which 44% are Latina/o/x, 5% multi-ethnic, 2.75% Asian, 1.25% African American, 1% Filipino, 0.25% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 0.18% Pacific Islander as of Fall 2019. In 2006, Cabrillo College was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community.

As a classified staff member at Cabrillo College, you will join a vibrant community of professionals and educators working together to provide a positive educational environment where our students experience diverse academic and cultural perspectives.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Reviews, analyzes and verifies financial aid applications for eligibility; evaluates financial aid needs analyses to determine Expected Family Contribution (EFC); determines eligibility and packages financial aid, scholarships, grants and other allocations to ensure all available funds are properly distributed.

• Verifies student initial and ongoing status; notifies students of continued eligibility or disqualification for financial aid awards; advises students of appeal processes.

• Evaluates student financial aid appeals on a case-by-case basis; reviews and evaluates special circumstances and makes professional judgment adjustments to the data elements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), overrides a student's dependency status and deter­mines and processes any changes in EFC necessary.

• Coordinates assigned major financial aid programs, including Federal Work Study, Direct Student Loans, Cal Grants, Chafee grants and other grant programs and other targeted population programs; masters the detailed technical knowledge and procedural requirements of each assigned program to serve as the program’s in-house expert.

• Runs reports and monitors student enrollment status, enrollment changes, courses taken/repeated and progress towards degree; identifies and assists in resolving academic progress issues that may affect aid; places administrative holds on financial aid due to failure to meet academic requirements; determines and processes financial aid overpayments, Return to Title IV funds, post-withdrawal disbursements and adjustments to payments.

• Participates in financial aid in-reach and outreach events including classroom presentations, work­shops, high school fairs and major events on campus.   

• May participate on a variety of internal and external committees.

OTHER DUTIES

Interacts with other departments and with state and federal programs on behalf of a student.

Performs financial aid customer service at a front desk, via email or over the phone; answers escalated questions and explains service processes, procedures, rules and guidelines.

Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disabi­lity, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. 

Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Financial aid department services, goals, objectives, policies, procedures and practices and associ­ated needs analysis and award packaging processes and procedures.

• Federal, state and local financial aid programs and regulations.

• Policies, objectives and technical aspects of financial aid programs and activities.

• Interviewing and consulting techniques.

• Basic research and analysis techniques.

• Basic fund accounting and financial and statistical recordkeeping techniques.

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including advanced knowledge of computers and applicable software programs and specialized financial aid databases and systems.

• General principles, practices and techniques used in customer service, public relations and commun­ity outreach.

• Applicable sections of the California Education Code, Title V and other applicable laws.

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other District, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies governing student records.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Perform complex technical duties in support of financial aid programs and services.

• Interpret, explain and apply complex federal, state and college guidelines, laws, rules, regula­tions, policies, procedures and practices governing financial aid, veterans’ benefits and scholarship programs.

• Make determinations and apply professional judgment regarding eligibility for financial assistance based on established procedures and guidelines, ensuring consistency and a high degree of accuracy.

• Understand requests for information or assist­ance; maintain a courteous and tactful manner when under pressure or in an antagonistic situation.

• Calculate, track and report financial and statistical information utilizing complex spreadsheets and databases.

• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential student issues and situations.

• Maintain confidentiality of District and student files and records.

• Compose clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, agreements, presen­tations and other written materials.

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

• Operate a computer and use standard business software.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Uphold the District’s mission, values and objectives including equity and Guided Pathways.

• Support an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect and engagement.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver’s license or ability to access and use alternative transportation.

Additional Information

Starting Salary Range: $4,988 to $5,775 per month; plus 5% annual increases up to step 7.

Note: Maximum initial salary step placement on the classified salary schedule is step 4.

Full-time (40 hours per week) assignment, 12 months per year. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with evenings and weekends as required. Classified employees are required to join the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and as such contribute up to 7% of their monthly salary to CalPERS on a pre-tax basis. Position scheduled to begin as soon as possible, pending continued categorical funding and Governing Board ratification. Salary is subject to proration based on beginning date of assignment.

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life, short and long term, and vision (optional) insurance provided at a share of cost on a pretax basis, CalPERS Retirement and an Employee Assistance Program. Please see the Benefits link on the HR webpage for more information.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation, of community college students, faculty and staff; AND

• Graduation from an associate degree program with coursework in finance or accounting; AND

• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid; OR

• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Bilingual skills in Spanish/English is REQUIRED.