The Program Specialist 3 in this role holds a pivotal position within the educational institution, serving as the lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) compliance, Bachelor's degree student support, and scholarship processing. This multifaceted role requires comprehensive knowledge of SAP regulations, expertise in advising Bachelor's 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.
The financial aid team is a dynamic group of individuals whose mission is to provide equitable student support while fostering campus initiatives and growth.
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. The entire salary range is reflected in the posting, but we will be hiring closer to the beginning of the range. This position is 40 hours per week with a typical schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00pm. There is some flexibility to work hybrid (primarily on campus with some remote work) after the training period. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Responsibilities
- Understanding of the historical barriers for students (Black/African American, Indigenous, Latinx and Pacific Islander) and commitment to student success, applying an equity to the administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
- Assists in updating policy and procedure manual as needed for SAP processes, BA student support and scholarship processing management, including finding efficiencies in processes.
- Evaluating student eligibility by using tools such as ctcLink, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), Financial Aid Administrator’s Access to FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP), and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) portal to perform daily tasks.
- Support and focus on the vision, mission, and goals of the organization and team.
- Other duties as assigned to support the goals and objectives of the department and the college.
Program Responsibilities – SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) LEAD:
- Lead department review of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process, including review of academic records, review of students on SAP probation to ensure standards are being met, including credits completed, pace, maximum timeframe, and GPA.
- Coordinate student grades quarterly with Registration.
- Run process in PeopleSoft (ctcLink) related to SAP processing and grade/credit calculation on a quarterly basis.
- Prepare SAP appeals for staff and SAP Appeal Committee to review.
- Review and approve or deny all first SAP appeals.
- Manage student SAP statuses/checklists and communication in ctcLink.
- Weekly SAP review of former LCC students returning.
Program Responsibilities – BA student support LEAD:
- Monitor and award student case load – distributed by alpha and BA degree seeking students. Award and adjust, as required, student’s financial aid including but not limited to Pell, SEOG, WCG, Work-study, and Direct/private Student Loans.
- Work with campus partners (academic departments, registration, and cashiering) to provide proactive support with BA case management.
Program Responsibilities – Scholarship Processing LEAD:
- Collaborate with campus and community partners (LCC Foundation, Athletics, Finance, and off campus scholarship donors) to ensure timely awarding of scholarship funds.
- Foundation scholarship quarterly grade review of foundation scholarship recipients to determine continued scholarship eligibility based on donor criteria.
- Monthly reconciliation of scholarship awards to ensure funds have applied to student accounts in full.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Responsibilities
- Participate in workshops, discussions, and learning opportunities regularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Implement equity tools and strategies obtained through various training opportunities to daily work.
- Actively support, engage in, and work to advance Lower Columbia College's goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners.
- Promote student engagement through campus involvement.
- Provide advocacy for historically underrepresented students.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree OR Associate degree AND 2 years of higher education work experience OR a combination of education and work experience on a year for year basis.
- Two years of full-time work experience in an educational environment providing direct student services (such as academic advising, financial aid, TRiO, multicultural services, or Work Force Education).
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience working with electronic information management systems/database software.
- 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.
- Ability to learn and accurately utilize various financial aid platforms.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written, in English.
- Ability to establish a student-centered environment providing excellent customer service.
- Work effectively with colleagues and students of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to work accurately with numbers and detail.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work to meet deadlines.
- Ability to access federal student aid systems by not being in default on a federal student loan.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
- Experience with PeopleSoft.
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 don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.
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 State's 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 Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.
- Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
- The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
- The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.
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 College's 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 College's 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 LCC's 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):
- Resume
- Cover Letter (Letter of Interest)
- Unofficial transcripts including undergraduate and graduate coursework
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.
- 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.
- The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
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
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $4,740.00 - $6,384.00 per month
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
Ability to Commute:
- Longview, WA 98632 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Longview, WA 98632: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Longview, WA 98632
