Job Announcement List Title:
Program Specialist 3: Lead for SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) BA & Scholarship Student Support at Lower Columbia College in Longview WA

Post Date
6/12/2024

Expiration Date
7/12/2024

Details:
POSITION OPENS ON 6/17/24: Salary Range: $4,740 - $6,384/month

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.

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.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor 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 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.

Comments:
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.

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), 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 time frame, 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.

Employer:
Lower Columbia College
Contact:
April Tovar

Address:
1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632

Work Phone:
(360) 442-2391

Email:
atovarvilla@lowercolumbia.edu

Website:
https://lowercolumbia.edu/jobs/