Financial Aid Technician

Position Title Financial Aid Technician
Option class
Open Date 07/20/2021
Close Date 09/11/2021
Open Until Filled No
Requisition Number CS001521
Job Category FT/12 mo Classified
Position Type Classified Staff
Assignment details
Work ScheduleWORKING HOURS: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Hours may vary)
FT/100%

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (Upon Offer of Employment):

• The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis prior to the start of employment.
• The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires verification of identity and the right to work in the United States.
• Selected candidate must be able to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Proof of college coursework or degrees indicated will be required of selected candidate.
• All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

BENEFITS:

• The District offers a cafeteria style plan in which employees are given a district allowance and may choose from a number of medical and dental plans. Life and income protection insurances are also available.
• Vacation days (based on assigned hours) are earned and accumulated on a monthly basis.
• Sick leave is earned at the rate of one day (based on the number of assigned hours) per month, and is accumulated from year to year.
• Holidays: 16 holidays per year.
• Credit Union: The Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services.
• Retirement: Employees, who work 20 or more hours per week, are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Social Security, and Medicare.

APPLICATION PROCESS Apply online at https://jobs.sbcc.edu. We no longer accept paper applications. Assistance with the online application process is available by phone (805) 965-0581 ext. 2258, Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of SBCC online application. Online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. Additional Instructions:Within the online application is a required supplemental question on diversity. The committee will be reviewing your answer as part of the screening process. Please take your time and answer the question thoroughly. Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities:If you are selected for an interview and need special services or facilities to participate in the interview, please contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
SBCC is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military and veteran status, or because he/she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

• EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – TITLE IX EMPLOYER

07/2021-CS001521

Salary Schedule/LevelThe current salary schedule range for the Financial Aid Technician is Salary Table 29, Range 25, $47,920-$54,206. Nine step salary range continues to a maximum of $58,376, initial placement based on experience with annual advancement to the next higher step. Hours may vary, 12 months per year, plus fringe benefits; 6-12 month probation period. All work schedules and work assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the College. SALARY RANGE: $3,994/Mo. –$4,518/Mo.(Nine step Salary Range continues to a maximum of $4,865/Mo.)
Driving Required Yes
Basic FunctionBASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Director-Financial Aid, assist students with applying for work-study, scholarship and loan, or other assigned financial aid programs and functions; serve as an informational resource concerning assigned financial aid programs and functions.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Assist students with applying for work-study, scholarship and loan, or other assigned financial aid programs and functions; assist in selecting students for employment offers, scholarships and loans, or other financial aid; process financial aid disbursements as directed.

Serve as an informational resource concerning assigned financial aid programs and functions; respond to inquiries and provide information concerning related standards, requirements, data, practices, policies and procedures; coordinate program support functions for students.

Provide students with paperwork required for assigned programs and functions; assist students with completing FAFSA and various other financial aid forms and applications; receive, compile, process, proofread and verify completeness and accuracy of required applications and documents.

Interview program applicants to determine eligibility for work-study, scholarship and loan, grants or other assigned programs according to established guidelines and procedures; evaluate applicant information to determine eligibility status; follow up on student progress.
Receive, review and verify a variety of accounting information related to assigned financial aid programs; update accounts with income and expenditures as required; reconcile accounts and budgets related to assigned financial aid functions.

Input a variety of student and accounting data into an assigned computer system; establish and maintain automated records and files.

Prepare and maintain various records and reports related to students, budgets, accounts and assigned activities and financial aid programs; establish and maintain filing systems.

Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of assigned financial aid programs; initiate and receive telephone calls; prepare and distribute a variety of correspondence.

Communicate with students, personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; refer students to other College departments, community resources and outside agencies as appropriate.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and assigned software.

Participate in promotional activities to enhance student knowledge of assigned financial aid programs and activities.

Monitor and assure adequate supply of financial aid documents and materials as directed.

Train and provide work direction and guidance to student workers as directed.

Participate in a variety of other assigned activities such as preparing payroll for students enrolled in the work-study program and coordinating special events for scholarship programs.

OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
General interviewing and advisement techniques.
Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques.
Basic methods, procedures and terminology used in clerical accounting work.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Business letter and report preparation techniques.
Arithmetic computations.

ABILITY TO:
Assist students with applying for work-study, scholarship and loan, or other assigned financial aid programs and functions.
Serve as an informational resource concerning assigned financial aid programs and functions.
Learn, interpret and explain application and enrollment standards, requirements, policies and procedures related to assigned financial aid programs.
Assist in selecting students for employment offers, scholarships and loans, or other financial aid.
Receive, process, verify and assist students with completing a variety of forms and applications.
Interview program applicants and assess related information to determine eligibility for financial aid.
Update accounts with income and expenditures and reconcile accounts and budgets related to assigned financial aid functions as required.
Maintain financial and statistical records and files and prepare reports.
Perform arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
Operate a computer and assigned software.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working and cooperative relationships with others.
Perform duties with sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, linguistic, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of Community College Students.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Education & Paid ExperienceAny combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college level coursework in business, accounting, social services or related field and three years of increasingly responsible experience involving statistical and financial record-keeping and frequent public contact.
Preferred QualificationsExperience providing professional customer service in person, via phone and/or email with students, parents or guardians, and campus departments.

Experience responding to inquiries regarding financial assistance; informing and advising students and families about application procedures, financial aid eligibility, financial aid policies, renewal obligations, and university costs, individualizing information to the student’s particular needs and situation.

Experience with financial aid forms, ensuring information is current and accurate as per federal and state regulations, and institutional policies.

Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration of financial aid or related educational programs
Special Licenses
Special Instructions to ApplicantsA message from Dr. Utpal Goswami, Superintendent/President, Santa Barbara City College - I am very pleased that you are exploring employment opportunities at Santa Barbara City College. As one of the top community colleges in the country we seek exceptional individuals who will contribute to the institutional mission. With our commitment to the success of every student Santa Barbara City College has created a unique academic culture, which has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards. This includes the 2013 Aspen Award for Community College Excellence in, among other things, increased levels of access and success for marginalized and low-income students. I highlight to you the profound commitment the College has to academic excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students. As a community, we believe that diversity comes in many forms. We understand that individuals are multidimensional, shaped by the intersections of a variety of life experiences and factors. We recognize and challenge the inequities that stem from the complex world in which we live and embrace the many facets of people that make up our wonderful College. And as a leader among community colleges we take pride in our ability to solve problems for the benefit of our students and the community. Consequently, we seek College employees who will take responsibility for equitable outcomes and successful pathways for our students. And, in return, we make every effort to make this a great place to work. If this appeals to you and you are ready to make the commitment we invite you to join our community and embrace our commitments and values. Vision Statement:Santa Barbara City College strives to build a socially conscious community where knowledge and respect empower individuals to transform our world. Mission Statement:Santa Barbara City College welcomes all students. The College provides a diverse learning environment and opportunities for students to enrich their lives, advance their careers, complete certificates, earn associate degrees, and transfer to four-year institutions. The College is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive, respectful, participatory, and supportive community dedicated to the success of every student.
College Facts (as of Fall 2020)

• Instruction, administrative, and support services are provided by 242 full-time faculty, 511 adjunct faculty, and 363 full-time staff and management.

• Santa Barbara City College currently enrolls approximately 14,179 students, the majority of whom are from racially diverse populations as follows: African American/Black – 2.4%; American Indian/Alaskan Native: 0.3%; Asian/Filipino/Pacific Islander- 6.1%; Hispanic/Latinx – 34.7%; two or more races – 5.6.%; Unknown – 4.0%; and White: 46.7%.

• 39.8% of SBCC’s students are under age 19, 31.9% are between the ages 20 and 24, 19.8% are between the ages of 25 and 39, and 8.5% are 40 or older.

• 33.4% of SBCC’s students attend full time (12 units or more), and 66.6% of SBCC students attend part- time.

• In 2009, SBCC gained the status of Hispanic Serving Institution, which among many other benefits, made us eligible to apply for federal grants geared toward strengthening institutional capacity and building programs to increase the success of Hispanic and other underrepresented students.

• The College recently adopted the Umoja program, a transfer success program geared toward African-American and other black students.

• In 2018, Santa Barbara City College celebrates 100 years of Adult Education in the Santa Barbara community.

• Most recently, we were honored by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott with a gift of $20 million in recognition of the excellent work that we do.

EnvironmentWORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
Physical DemandsDexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file and retrieve materials.
Hazards