Position Details Position Information

Position Title Financial Aid Specialist Classification Title Classified Position Number B93PD Grade Level 16 Starting Wage/Salary $21.02-$21.87/hr plus exceptional benefits, subject to change due to ongoing negotiations Close Date 08/17/2025 Open Until Filled No Open Until Filled Notes Position Type/Employee Class Classified Faculty Status Not applicable FTE 1.0 Contract Months 12.0 Overtime Eligible Non-Exempt Location Bend Hybrid Remote Work Eligible? No Exceptional COCC Benefits Summary

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BENEFITS & PERKS Primary Purpose The Financial Aid Specialist position serves as a financial aid loan specialist ensuring timely and accurate processing of federal and private loan programs. This position also serves as a resource for and perform services to successfully guide students through the financial aid process to include processing of applications, compile and organize forms, verify records, obtain information to determine eligibility for financial aid programs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Aid Loan Specialist: Participate as part of the Student Financial Aid team to support the College’s mission, vision, values and goals and a shared vision of excellence in student services. Participate in continuous improvement by inviting and providing honest and timely feedback. Adjust work flow and tasks in order to support the overall needs of the team. Manage the technical flow of loan transactions from all sources, including Banner and Department of Education systems. Use college and Federal Student Aid portals to import and export loan files to federal agencies and third-party servicers. Read available training sources and participate in assigned professional development to determine if changes are being made to loan regulations or processes. Assist students in understanding various types of loans (Stafford, PLUS, Alternative) and resolve data issues with prospective, current, and past loans. Counsel students and parents in responsible borrowing. Revise loans with financial aid award to ensure compliance with regulations. Perform monthly loan reconciliation.

Customer Service Specialist: Answer student questions, provide personal financial aid information and materials to walk-in visitors and students. Provide financial aid information to callers on department phone line. Forward information for follow-up by other staff members if necessary. Monitor department email inquiries, track and respond to all messages in a timely manner. Forward information for follow-up by other staff members if necessary. Analyze and recommend improvements and program changes necessary for quality customer service and regulation compliance. Share program information and resources with interested faculty, staff, and community partners. Serve on college committees and task forces as assigned. Perform other essential duties as assigned. Title IV Returns Specialist: Beginning on the Tuesday of the third week of the term, runs reports which identifies students who have dropped or changed all classes from credit to audit during the previous week. Calculates ‘unearned’ original charges, returns the money to the appropriate agency and notifies the student of the charge to their account. Department Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The incumbent is expected to follow College work rules and policies. Ability to be familiar with internal department processes so that, if necessary, can serve as backup personnel for processing student files. Ability to handle production projects, problem research and file processing while dealing with continual interruptions from counter traffic and phone calls. Ability to use good listening skills to communicate with students in response to a variety of questions i.e., Satisfactory Academic Policy, reasons for financial aid not being ready, amount available to borrow, ramifications of dropping classes, etc. Ability/skills to competently advise and/or serve students from a variety of backgrounds, respecting cultural and socio-economic differences. Ability to determine timelines for format/design, production and mailing of large volumes of letters to students. Ability to understand and effectively use administrative software system (Banner) to accomplish job functions. Ability to work well in teams and with customers. Ability to understand and use software to create work applications and reports. Ability to work accurately and in detail. Ability to understand all internal policies and stay current with financial aid regulatory changes by monitoring professional websites and attending seminars as required. Ability to use a fax machine, photocopier, computer, multi-line telephone, folding machine, and shredder. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter. Ability to demonstrate essential job functions outlined above. Ability to work cooperatively with and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience. Ergonomic Requirements Regular office hours are established between 8 am – 5 pm during the workweek. A flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends, may be necessary due to the nature of the responsibilities.Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature. Requires the ability to work at a workstation for extended periods. Requires to write, read written materials and computer screens, and ability to use telephonic conversations. Occasional lifting up to 25lbs. All individuals are required to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Minimum Requirements Education Associate’s degree or completion of equivalent college-level coursework.

ExperienceTwo years’ experience in a high volume, service-oriented environment using multi-phone lines and providing customer service. Equivalency Statement The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Experience with Ellucian Banner software. Experience working in community colleges, school districts, or public entities. EEO Statement The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.

In support of COCC’s EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting. Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* What is your highest level of education? No High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED Professional Certification or License (not a degree) Associates Degree Bachelors Degree in Progress Bachelors Degree Masters Degree In Progress Masters Degree Ph.D. in Progress Ph.D. J.D. M.D. Other Doctorate Level Degree * Please explain your experience working in a high volume, service-oriented environment using multi-phone lines and providing customer service.

(Open Ended Question)

* We recognize the value of skills, knowledge, and experience gained outside of formal education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum education and/or experience requirements but possess other qualifications or experience they feel are equivalent are encouraged to apply. Check the applicable box(es) below and explain in the next question why your education/experience should be considered equivalent. All applications are reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team. You will not be automatically eliminated by our recruitment software based on the box or boxes you check, as we are committed to a fair and thorough evaluation process. I meet all minimum requirements (education and experience) listed for this position. I do not meet the minimum education degree requirement(s). My degree is not in the required stated area(s). I have less than the minimum years' experience in the area(s) required. * As a follow up to the previous question, explain how your education/experience should be considered equivalent to the minimum requirements. If you feel you meet all the stated minimum requirements, please put N/A. All applications are reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team. You will not be automatically eliminated by our recruitment software based on your response, as we are committed to a fair and thorough evaluation process.

(Open Ended Question)

In support of COCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, bilingual fluency in English and another language is considered a plus: Please list any languages other than English in which you are fluent (read and write)

(Open Ended Question)

* COCC employees must work and reside in the state of Oregon at the time their work is being performed. Are you, or will you be residing in the state of Oregon by the start date of this position? Yes No * The College CANNOT provide support or sponsorship of any type for visa applications and related paperwork for employment purposes. To be considered, applicants must already be authorized to begin work in the United States, be able to arrive in the country, and maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support. Are you currently, or will you be, authorized to begin work in the United States, able to arrive, and able to maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support by the position’s start date? Yes, I am already or will be authorized to begin work in the United States, able to arrive, and able to maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support by the position’s start date. No. * Are you a U.S. military veteran? COCC provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. To receive veterans' preference in this recruitment process, you must upload your DD214 and 215 (215 if applicable) or certification that you expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status as supporting documentation. You will have the opportunity to upload the document(s) in the next step of this application process. Yes, I am a veteran No, I am not a veteran If you have identified yourself as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran by submitting your DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) form(s) as proof of veteran status, please describe any transferable skills earned during your military service that you feel relate to the requirements/preferences of this position.

(Open Ended Question)

* Background checks are required for all employees of COCC. Should an offer of employment be made to you and accepted by you, you will receive an email from COCC / HireRight Screening requesting your consent and basic information to complete the check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the criminal background check. Confirmed findings on a criminal background check will not automatically disqualify you from being hired into a position. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the job responsibilities and other risk factors. Additional information regarding COCC’s criminal history check policy can be found online in the General Procedures Manual, Section HR-2-1. Please indicate here if you will provide consent to the criminal history check when requested by the College Yes, I will provide my consent when requested No, I will not provide my consent when requested Required Documents Required Documents Resume/Vitae Cover Letter Optional Documents College Transcript 1 (unofficial) US Military DD 214