Financial Aid Technical Support Specialist
San Mateo County Community College District
Posting Number: 3C0188
Location: Cañada College
Department:
Position Number: 3C0188
Percentage of Full Time: 100%
FLSA: Non-Exempt (accrues overtime)
Months per Year: 12
If other, please specify:
Min Salary: $95,208 (annual)
Max Salary: $121,716 (annual)
Position Type: Classified Positions
Who We Are:
The San Mateo County Community College District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As outlined in the District’s Strategic Plan, “success, equity, and social justice for our students are longstanding goals.” The District’s “Students First” Strategic Plan is focused on “Student Success, Equity and Social Justice.” We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces our commitment to provide quality education and promote life-long learning — emphasizing collaboration and engaging students in and out of the classroom, encouraging them to realize their goals, and to become global citizens and socially responsible leaders. When you join our San Mateo County Community College District team, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice. We achieve this through broad collaboration among faculty and classified staff, administration, students and community partners.
The College and the District:
Cañada College is part of the San Mateo County Community College District and is designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), enrolling approximately 10,000 students each academic year. Cañada College has a diverse student population that reflects the communities that it serves. For more than 50 years, Cañada College has provided enriching educational opportunities for the residents of San Mateo County. With the support and guidance from award-winning faculty and staff, residents can pursue certificates and degrees for career training or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cañada College offers hundreds of day, evening, and weekend courses in more than 40 quality instructional programs with a variety of innovative student support services. Detailed information about the student population, including data related to student success, can be found on Cañada College’s Office of Planning, Research, Innovation, & Effectiveness (PRIE)website.
Who We Want:
We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, racial and ethnic backgrounds. We prioritize applicants who demonstrate an understanding of the benefits that diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual who is committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners in strengthening the culture of equity and antiracism throughout the District. The San Mateo County Community District seeks employees who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals.
The Position:
The Financial Aid Technical Support Specialist performs complex technical work related to analyzing and resolving problems with the Financial Aid systems as they occur and in playing a key role in the testing documentation, and training of business processes related to Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Technical Support Specialist must possess a combination of functional and technical expertise and, under the supervision and direction of the Financial Aid Director, will assist ITS staff with research, analysis, and communication of policies and regulations and their impact on the District’s enterprise software (Banner) and other systems configuration. Under direction, the employee compiles data for Financial Aid computer programs; analyzes data, reconciles computer program problems, and prepares statistical and other reports to document. Public contact is extensive, primarily including students, staff, other educational institutions, community organizations, business representatives, funding agencies, and the general public, for the purpose of exchanging policy and procedural information concerning eligibility criteria, assessment, and award packages, and related program services. A high degree of independent judgment and creativity is required to apply prescribed policies and guidelines to a variety of individual situations in order to arrive at appropriate recommendations. Consequences of errors in judgment could be costly in public relations, and employee time, and result in institutional liability and audit exceptions. The Financial Aid Technical Support Specialist can lead and direct the work of student assistants as assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.
- Maintains currency with Federal and State regulations that may have an effect on financial aid processing and plays a lead role in the research, understanding, and interpretation of policies and regulations and their effect on system configuration
- Completes necessary research and analysis to communicate with ITS and other staff configuration requirements needed for compliance with policies and regulations
- Participates in community outreach activities to promote financial aid and enrollment services; drives a motor vehicle to attend off-site meetings, workshops, recruitment programs, and other special events to obtain and provide current information
- Leads the effort to prepare training documentation and to train other staff on policies and procedures
- Generates various reports and letters and coordinates automation with ITS
- Works closely with ITS staff in configuring and testing the annual new year roll setup, Banner upgrades, and related system changes as well as current and forthcoming software from the Department of Education and California Student Aid Commission for monitoring, processing, and reporting of grants, scholarships, loans, and other sources of financial assistance
- Exchanges financial aid and enrollment services policy and procedural information with students, parents, staff, other educational institutions, community organizations, business representatives, funding agency personnel, and the general public
- Serves as a technical resource for the College and District regarding financial aid and various student-related services
- Makes presentations to small and large groups regarding available loans and grants, eligibility criteria, programs and services offered, required forms and timelines, and other information
- Conducts detailed data assessments in order to select appropriate loans, grants, and other programs for students based on eligibility and need; assists supervisory staff on special and regular projects and reports as assigned; monitors program expenditures using prescribed funding agency and District policies and financial guidelines
- Confers with or attends training opportunities from government and funding agencies regarding immigration, tax, residency, and other eligibility issues
- Meets with students to assess their financial aid eligibility, student standing, and projected financial and enrollment service needs
- Computes and compiles data using various databases from student and funding agency records in conjunction with other colleges, ITS, and other District staff
- Prepares original correspondence, narratives, memoranda, and research data reports in support of programs and services and to document eligibility
- Tracks and reports on trends in student population changes, economic status, college completion rates, student usage of related college services, and other data
- Researches data for and completes required funding agency and District reports and surveys
- Compiles confidential and other data to assess and document student income status, expenditures and projected budgets, enrollment status, grades, employment records, immigration status, residency, tax filing status, and other information and initiates awards for students
- Analyzes and verifies students’ records using electronic or paper-supporting documentation to identify errors, correct data, and reprocess changes in student records as required
- Identifies and reports anomalies or other information that may identify potential fraud or misuse of State or Federal funds
- Uses a variety of computer systems, software, and websites to set up, maintain, and monitor confidential and other student records and files
- Confers with students, staff, and others, as applicable to resolve complex application and eligibility issues
- Leads the work of clerical and other staff on special projects and other workloads as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree or the equivalent in business administration, accounting, or a closely related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Three years of experience in a financial aid office with a strong background in computer solutions
- A strong understanding of the Banner Enterprise System with familiarity with interactions between cashiering, admissions and records, and financial aid
- Ability to navigate and work with multiple secure federal systems and websites including, but not limited to NSLDS, COD, EdConnect, and IFAP
- Ability to manage compliance issues for federal, state, and District procedures and regulations
- Ability to develop creative solutions to use federally prescribed operations to test and operate District software solutions
- Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff
- Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication, including public speaking
- Experience leading the work of others
- Demonstrated skill in the use of a variety of software for compiling data, composing and preparing reports, correspondence, memoranda and other written materials
- Demonstrated skill in detailed recordkeeping and the use of a database
- Demonstrated skill in working as part of a customer service team
Physical Requirements:
This position requires attention to detail; logical/linear thinking; good memory, data analysis and synthesis; adaptability; flexibility; patience, and tact in order to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Federal, State, District, and institutional financial aid policies, procedures, guidelines, and required reports related to the award, continuation, and follow-up of student loans, grants, student employment, Return to Title IV Programs Multiple Pell Reporting and Potential Pell Overpayments and other related services
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional programs, services, and other resources available to assist students in counseling, TRiO, CARE, EOPS, Veterans Services, eDisbursement, immigration procedures, employment, tutoring, enrollment, record keeping, and other areas
- Knowledge of procedures for processing corrections for various Federal and State programs
- Knowledge of the consequences of system programming, system parameter setup, and operational processes in employee time, mistakes in funding authorized for students, and errors in awarding Federal funds
- Knowledge of procedures for processing files for students selected for verification, resolving data discrepancies, calculating and adjusting records for post-withdrawal disbursements or overpayments
- Knowledge of college programs, services, and other resources available to assist students in counseling immigration procedures, employment, tutoring, enrollment, record keeping, and other areas
- Knowledge of applicable computer systems and their use
- Skill in respectful, tactful and sensitive interaction with people who are diverse in their academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds
- Skill in following written instructions, formulas, and guidelines to analyze data for the purpose of drawing conclusions
- Skill in interviewing and assessment techniques
- Proficiency in the use of computer systems and a variety of software to set up and maintain detailed records and to compose a variety of written materials
- Skill in oral communication, including persuasive communication skills
- Skill in written communication, including composing technical documentation
- Skill in working cooperatively and effectively with others as part of a team
- Skill in working accurately with financial and statistical data
- Skill in directing the work of others
- Skill in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite and web-based content management systems
- Ability to use tact and discretion in handling confidential information
Preferred Qualifications:
Benefits:
Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The District pays all or a portion of monthly medical plan premiums (depending on the coverage) and pays all of the monthly dental and vision plan premiums for employees and eligible dependents. Additional paid benefits include life insurance, salary continuance insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Classified employees participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, a defined-benefit retirement plan through the State of California. Optional tax-deferred 403(b) and 457 retirement plans are also available.
Open Date: 02/05/2025
First Review Date: 03/06/2025
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions Summary:
Required Application Materials All applicants are required to submit:
1. A completed online District application form (go to https://jobs.smccd.edu to complete the application and to apply for this position).
2. A resume that details all relevant education, training, and other work experience.
3. A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that addresses the applicant’s cultural competence, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff as well as the applicant’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements, knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this announcement.
Candidates for interview will be selected from among those who most closely meet the requirements and knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. As part of the interview process, candidates may be asked to demonstrate job-related knowledge and skills.
For questions related to this posting, please contact:
SMCCCD Office of Human Resources
3401 CSM Drive
San Mateo, CA 94402
Tel.: (650) 574-6555
Fax: (650) 574-6574
Email: [email protected]
Web Page: www.smccd.edu/hr
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:
1. Submit official transcripts (applies to all faculty or educational administrative positions)
2. Submit verifications of prior employment
3. Satisfactory references
4. Successfully being cleared for employment through the background checking process
In addition to background checks, the District may review publicly available information about a candidate on the Internet. If a candidate is aware of incorrect or inaccurate information that is available on the Internet, the candidate is welcome to address such an issue with the Office of Human Resources.
5. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States
6. Approval of your employment by the SMCCCD Board of Trustees
7. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis exam for initial employment.
8. Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment). Please note that the California Education Code requires, in part, that community college districts shall not employ or retain in employment persons in public school service who have been convicted of certain felonies, a misdemeanor drug charge (including alcohol offenses) or misdemeanor moral turpitude (sexual offense) crime. However, consideration may be given to those whose drug convictions occurred more than five years ago. A conviction for other crimes may not necessarily disqualify you from the job for which you may be applying.
EEO Statement:
The San Mateo County Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of its surrounding communities.
Accommodations:
Applicants who have disabilities may request that special accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process. Accommodation requests and a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act applicant procedures can be made by completing our: Applicant Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
Annual Security Report:
San Mateo County Community College District’s (SMCCCD) 2024 Annual Security Report (ASR), required by the Clery Act, includes statistics for the previous three years (2021–2023) concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by SMCCCD; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from SMCCCD. The 2024 Annual Security Report also outlines various campus safety and security policies concerning crime reporting, prevention and response to sexual and gender violence, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and other matters. The Annual Security Report also includes important tips to help every community member remain safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. The 2024 Annual Security Report is now available on the Public Safety website. You can also obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety at the District Office or any of the three Campuses (650) 738-7000. The report includes information about criminal activity on our campuses, emergency procedures, and resources.
To apply, visit: https://jobs.smccd.edu/
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