The Opportunity: Skagit Valley College is accepting applications for a Program Specialist 2 (In-Training) or Program Specialist 3 in the Financial Aid Office. This is a full-time classified position at the Mount Vernon Campus. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of student loan programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Duties include determining eligibility and awarding aid, overseeing loan origination and disbursement, reconciling loan accounts, preparing reports, and providing customer service to students and staff. The position supports financial aid operations and works collaboratively across campus to advance the College’s mission. Training and advancement to Program Specialist 3 may be available for qualified in-training candidates. This position is a 12-month classified position, working 100% full-time, which is 40 hours per week.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Program Specialization

• Manage all aspects of the student loan programs within the Financial Aid department, including but not limited to Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and Private Student Loans;
• Assist students and families with questions related to student loans, including repayment obligations, borrowing limits, and loan options;
• Process and award Federal Direct Loans, including eligibility determination, packaging, revisions, and adjustments;
• Oversee loan origination, disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting through federal systems;
• Ensure compliance with loan-related regulations, including annual and aggregate loan limits, enrollment requirements, and authorization documentation;
• Collaborate with the Business Office, Student Accounts, and third-party servicers to resolve loan discrepancies and disbursement or reconciliation issues;
• Provide updates, guidance, and training to financial aid staff, student services staff, and other stakeholders on changes to financial aid and loan regulations;
• Assist in developing and refining departmental policies, procedures, and workflow documentation related to aid and loan processing;
• Stay current on regulatory changes, system updates, and best practices related to federal student aid and loan administration;
• Assist with Pell Grant reporting, reconciliation, and drawdowns, as requested. Ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal regulations and institutional procedures.

• Understand and independently articulate general program eligibility requirements (how "need" is determined, criteria for various grants, Federal Student Loans, and work-study), the application process, status, and timelines;
• Provide excellent customer service by demonstrating empathy, listening attentively to questions and concerns, responding professionally to difficult and sometimes argumentative customers, communicating clearly with native and non-native English speakers, and exercising professionalism and discretion in all communications and actions;
• Contribute as a member of the team with shared office duties, including filing, answering phones, emails, and questions from walk-in students and the general public in an accurate manner, providing clear explanations of complex and technical information;
• Counsel students and parents directly with regard to resolving eligibility issues and application difficulties in all Financial Aid programs, including processing of documents and making a determination of additional information needed;
• Maintain confidentiality of student files and records in accordance with FERPA guidelines; Utilize the Customer Relations Management (CRM) system (TargetX), as well as the College's computerized applications (ctcLink Student and Financial Aid Management Systems, etc.).

• Maintain a working knowledge of eligibility requirements for all aid programs administered by the office;
• Independently evaluate student files to ensure proper submission of required documents, accuracy of documents, and eligibility for financial aid funds;
• In accordance with federal and state regulations, complete the Verification process for selected students, using submitted documentation that includes tax returns, verification worksheets, and other required documents:
  • It is a requirement of this position to understand general IRS tax filing rules;
  • The ability to read, interpret, and understand the layout and required items included on a tax return is also a requirement;
  • Through an independent evaluation of federal and state applications and documents submitted by students, apply specific policies and regulations to determine Financial Need, as defined by the Department of Education and the state, and offer students aid based on their eligibility;
• Conduct research using federal and state resources to resolve student eligibility issues, and evaluate continued eligibility based on federal, state, and college rules;
• Analyze and evaluate documentation submitted by students and submit corrections to the federal/state processor as needed;
• Independently use Professional Judgement (as defined by ED) to make exceptions and change data elements included on the FAFSA /WASFA and in the student’s budget, based on student-specific special circumstances or application errors, based on documentation.

• Assist with classroom visits and outreach events to educate students and the community about Financial Aid and scholarship programs;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of financial aid and loan program administration, including eligibility determination, documentation requirements, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations;
• Knowledge of Title IV programs, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans, and related academic progress and appeal concepts;
• Knowledge of confidentiality, reporting, and reconciliation practices used in regulated programs.

• Skill in reviewing and analyzing application data and supporting documentation to determine eligibility and compliance;
• Skill in using computerized student information and financial aid systems to perform calculations, updates, reconciliations, and reporting;
• Skill in communicating complex regulatory information clearly and professionally to students, families, and staff.

• Ability to apply written laws, regulations, and policies consistently to individual cases and document determinations;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high-volume, compliance-driven environment;
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications:

Program Specialist 2:

• One year of experience performing program support, administrative, student services, financial aid, accounting, eligibility determination, records management, or similar regulatory or compliance-oriented work;
  OR an equivalent combination of postsecondary education and experience that demonstrates record review, data accuracy, and application of written rules or procedures;
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive records;
• Experience using computer-based systems to enter, review, or verify data;
• Experience providing direct customer service to the public, students, or clients via in-person, phone, or electronic communication.

Program Specialist 3:

• Two or more years of experience administering, coordinating, or supporting a program requiring application of complex rules, regulations, or eligibility criteria;
• Experience performing eligibility or compliance review, including analysis of application data, documentation, or system-generated records;
• Experience applying written laws, policies, or program regulations to individual cases;
• Experience using specialized computer systems to research data, perform calculations, make updates, or produce reports;
• Experience communicating program requirements or determinations to customers, students, or stakeholders.

Program Specialist 2:

• Experience in higher education, financial aid, government, or public sector setting;
• Experience reviewing applications, forms, or eligibility documentation for completeness and accuracy;
• Exposure to financial aid programs;
• Experience using a student information system or financial aid management system.

Program Specialist 3:

• Direct experience administering Title IV financial aid programs;
• Experience with loan processing, origination, disbursement, or reconciliation activities;
• Experience with federal or state systems such as COD, NSLDS, G5, or comparable regulatory reporting systems;
• Experience assisting with program audits, reconciliations, or compliance reviews;
• Experience developing or maintaining written procedures, program documentation, or training materials.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is based on Range 42, Step A, $3,643 per month with periodic increments to $4,470 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• Salary is based on Range 53, Step A, $4,470 per month with periodic increments to $6,227 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, 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.
  
  Additionally, 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 are 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 employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.