Financial Aid Program Specialist 2

Financial Aid Program Specialist 2

Job ID: 15370

Location: Bellevue College

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Program Specialist 2 works in Financial Aid and Student Central under general supervision and reports to the Director of Financial Aid. This position independently collaborates with students and other staff to resolve complex issues and difficulties across all areas within. Additionally, the Program Specialist 2 provides information and assistance related to the resolution of residency issues, transferring credits from other institutions, and uses independent judgement to interpret and evaluate data submitted for financial aid. Essential to this position is the ability to fully understand and perform the work related to the federal and state work financial aid program in PeopleSoft (ctcLink). This position has primary responsibility for financial aid day to day operations and the programs that relate to financial aid.

The Program Specialist 2 position uses independent judgement to coordinate and support the Financial Aid functions in the office, and provides specialized information to program participants (students) and staff. This position also works with student data related to Student Central - a single service area for students, the public and the campus community. Incumbents will maintain current knowledge and skills in area of assignment; building collaborative relationships within the Bellevue College (BC) community and the community at large.

The nature of the work is professional and requires an ability to interpret and work following federal, state and college rules, and policies. Essential to this position is the ability to fully understand student data, student information system structures, processes and how this relates to and impacts student records.

This position allows telecommuting two (2) days per week. This is subject to change based on the needs of the department and the college.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $45,900/year - $61,296/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue College's impact, visit

About the Department

The Financial Aid Office in collaboration with Student Central supports the mission of Bellevue College by providing high quality, flexible and accessible services, which support student access to educational opportunities that advance pluralism, inclusion, and global awareness. Student Central provides complex comprehensive and confidential service and information for programs identified as Enrollment Services, Evaluations and Graduation, and Financial Aid. Services include; providing information and access to functions related to transfer and evaluation of credits, graduation, prior learning credit, residency application processes, registration and all other enrollment functions, in addition to financial aid application processes required to award funds needed to pay for college.

Essential Functions

Provide direct services and information and assistance to students at Student Central

Create a welcoming environment for the diverse Bellevue College community

Answer frequent questions through in-person interactions, email, phone, Zoom/Teams virtual platform, and the online ticketing system, about admissions, residency, registration, financial aid, transfer of credit, testing and placement, and graduation; provide comprehensive information, guidance, recommendations and resources

Properly document and record student information, submission of documentation, and provide summary of actions taken towards resolution of problems in the Student and Financial Aid Management System, currently known as ctcLink/PeopleSoft

Provide technical assistance with processes related to financial aid

Interpret and explain enrollment policies and procedures to students, faculty, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds

Collaborate and communicate with departments that provide support services that assist students in overcoming obstacles and problems they encounter,. These may include Academic Advising, Student Central, Disability Resource Center, Multicultural Services, Workforce Education, Counseling, and TRiO

Communicate rules and practices governing confidentiality laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Collect, analyze, and evaluate financial aid documents needed to determine completion of financial aid requirements. Determine completeness of information, identity conflicting information, and take appropriate steps to communicate deficiencies to students

Work cooperatively with departments, staff, faculty and administrators across campus, and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience

Problem solve and independently advise by providing a variety of options to students based on individual needs regarding registration issues, payments and refunds, credit reviews, graduation, and financial aid

Actively participate in department and Student Central meetings

Perform, Organize, and Coordinate Operations for Financial Aid with focus on Customer Service and Outreach

Advise students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties regarding rules and regulations related to financial aid and work with little direction to resolve student problems or issues.

Coordinate all aspects of the document uploading for employee and student uploads, loan revisions, enrollment status change forms, etc.

Present Financial Aid at First Year Seminar classes, Discovery Day, and other outreach sessions

Run FAFSA and WASFA workshops

Gather data and report on activities as requested, such as file complete, R2s (second reviews), F02s (positive holds for tuition deferred, etc)

Run queries for and identify provisional independent students

Review website to ensure information is up to date, and recommend changes or updates as needed

Maintain office forms

Communicate with students by drafting letters that provide information to students regarding missing, or incomplete documentation, or the need for additional documentation.

Through evaluation of documentation, perform tasks related to preliminary steps needed to offer financial aid funds as needed

Read, Interpret, and Implement Federal, State, College Regulations, and Policies

Read and interpret federal and state regulations as they relate to financial aid application processes, and use independent judgement to advise students appropriately based on student specific circumstances

Attend training conferences, and or other related information sessions when offered to remain current in policies, procedures, and regulations related to financial aid

Obtain certifications from NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) or FSA (Federal Student Aid) Coach, as requested or needed to fulfill job requirements

Perform other duties as assigned

Work on special projects for the Director/Associate Director and serve as an inter-campus contact for the financial aid office

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree. Any combination of relevant education and/or experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis

One (1) year demonstrated experience working in an office setting

One (1) year demonstrated experience working in a customer service setting with the public both on the phone and in-person

Effective communication skills

Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams

Demonstrated experience in effectively resolving customer service issues

Demonstrated experience working with