Financial Aid Counselor

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information regarding Evergreen’s non-discrimination policies or to report discrimination, please visit the affirmatively action and equal opportunity webpage at or contact the affirmative action and equal opportunity officer at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Room 3102 Library Building, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505. Position Purpose This position provides financial aid counseling and administration for Evergreen students. Fifty percent of the position is dedicated to supporting students enrolled in the Evergreen Prison Education Program at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, including financial aid advising, application assistance, and aid packaging for incarcerated students who navigate the process without standard internet access, Evergreen accounts, or typical communication channels. The remaining half of the position provides financial aid counseling, application processing, and awarding support for Evergreen students across the College’s academic programs. Nature and Scope Essential Functions Provide financial aid counseling to students, their families, and others. Maintain counseling load for designated populations of students, which includes performing all the necessary processes to evaluate financial aid applications, verify data, award aid, and make adjustments to previous awards via automated systems. Serve as the primary financial aid counselor for students enrolled in the Evergreen Prison Education Program (EPEP) at Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC). Provide training and instruction regarding financial aid policy and procedures to EPEP staff. Develop and maintain systems to monitor EPEP student financial aid eligibility, keeping an up-to-date list of students needing support and identifying cases requiring targeted follow‑up. Travel to SCCC regularly to provide financial aid advising and program support. Coordinate on‑site visit logistics, including identifying students who require follow‑up, managing clearance and room reservation processes, drafting recommended student communications (e.g., meeting details, instructions, reminders) for the EPEP Assistant Director to review and send, and maintaining consistent communication with EPEP staff throughout. Assist incarcerated students with completing FAFSA and WASFA applications and resolving verification requirements. Package and manage financial aid awards for EPEP students, including Pell Grants, Washington College Grant/State Need Grant, scholarships, and tuition waivers. Coordinate with EPEP staff, Department of Corrections staff, and campus offices to ensure timely financial aid processing and compliance for incarcerated students. Adapt Evergreen, U.S. Department of Education, and Washington Student Achievement Council processes to the constraints of carceral settings, ensuring workflows function effectively for students without internet access, Evergreen accounts, or access to standard timelines and communications. Maintain accurate paper‑based records and audit trails for EPEP students, ensuring documentation integrity in the absence of standard digital workflows. Participate in and support efforts to develop an online financial aid application pathway for students at SCCC, collaborating with Department of Corrections partners, Evergreen IT, and EPEP staff to reduce reliance on paper‑based processes and improve processing timelines. Process and monitor satisfactory academic progress standards and SAP appeals for EPEP students. Manage, award, and process all 3rd party and external scholarship payments. Award all Veteran waivers and benefits as provided by the College’s Veteran Affairs Center. Manage, award, and process all tuition waivers for which Financial Aid is responsible. Interpret, apply, and disseminate changes in federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs. Maintain a commitment to excellent student‑centered service. Review, approve, and deny emergency short‑term loans. Prepare ad hoc reports. Lead the work of student employees. Represent the Financial Aid Office during outreach and recruitment events. Assist with development and implementation of financial aid processes related to EPEP. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to translate technical federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies to students and external audiences. Ability to determine students’ eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Knowledge of federal methodology calculations including how to determine Expected Family Contributions, calculate need, and apply need and non‑need based aid to students’ financial aid packages. Strong listening and critical thinking skills to accurately recommend appropriate course of action and explain available options. Ability to work independently in off‑campus program environments and develop effective working relationships with campus and external partners. Excellent customer service skills, including conflict resolution skills, and ability to work with diverse populations, including nontraditional and incarcerated students. Proficiency with computer technology, including Microsoft 365 and Banner. Knowledge of FERPA and ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively via email, phone, and in person. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to multitask and manage multiple student populations and program requirements. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team. Ability to organize data and produce ad hoc reports as needed. Ability to work under deadline pressure. Ability to travel regularly to SCCC. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Thorough knowledge of major financial aid programs demonstrated by at least one year of recent full‑time work experience in student financial aid counseling and administration. Desired Qualifications Experience working with incarcerated or justice‑impacted populations. Experience working with adult, first‑generation, and low‑income populations. Experience working in cohort‑based academic programs or alternative education settings. Experience working in correctional education, reentry programs, or other access‑oriented education programs. Experience with Banner or other student information systems. Experience working with paper‑based or manual processing workflows or serving populations with limited or no access to standard digital tools. Conditions of Employment Must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three days of beginning work. This position is part of a bargaining unit and covered by the Student Support Services Staff collective bargaining agreement. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Prior to an official offer of employment, a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct form must be submitted to the college per RCW 28B.112.080. The college will contact current and past employers to verify this information. Applicants who provide inaccurate information in their declaration will be disqualified and, if the inaccuracies are discovered after the applicant has been hired, it shall be grounds for termination. Must meet the eligible driver requirements: 1) Valid U.S. driver’s license, 2) 18 years old or older, 3) Two or more years of fully licensed driving experience, and 4) Clean driving record with none of the following within the past 2 years: Any suspension/revocation of license for reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI or other vehicle‑related felony; or for multiple traffic offenses (2 moving violations/infractions in 12 months/3 moving violations/infractions in 24 months) resulting in a Conditional Status driving record or subsequent suspension/revocation of license. Must fulfill all Department of Corrections Yellow Badge orientation and annual training requirements necessary to maintain active access to corrections center. Prior to a new hire, must successfully pass Department of Corrections security clearance. Must be able to travel and work in off‑site locations, including carceral facilities. Must comply with college travel policy. Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends. Benefits A full state benefits package which includes: paid sick and vacation leave; paid campus holidays; a generous medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; optional deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For more information about Evergreen’s excellent employee benefits, please view #J-18808-Ljbffr