Financial Aid Program Specialist 3 (Satisfactory Academic Progress)

Financial Aid Program Specialist 3 (Satisfactory Academic Progress)

The Financial Aid Program Specialist 3 works in the Financial Aid Office and Student Central under general direction and reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid. 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, and operates at the journey or fully qualified level.

The Program Specialist 3 has campus-wide responsibility for the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) component of financial aid. This position is also a contact for all special programs at Bellevue College that work with financial aid, such as Occupational Life Skills (OLS), TRiO, Bachelor programs, Puente, Umoja, etc. This position manages, directs, and coordinates all aspects of these two areas and performs specialized tasks, such as creating and analyzing reports and queries, determining individual student academic progress, and analysis and decision-making related to student appeals. These tasks ensure campus compliance to federal and state regulations. In addition, the program specialist determines eligibility and offers financial aid based on individual student and family circumstances, and in accordance with federal and state regulations. This position provides technical assistance with the appeal and application processes, and provides specialized consultation to students, other staff, and the campus community, related to the loss of student eligibility based on SAP issues. The program specialist also assesses student needs and provides recommendations and solutions that provide a way for students to regain financial aid eligibility, or to overcome obstacles related to application requirements. The use of Professional Judgement based on assessment of student need and individual circumstances, and as defined and allowed under federal and state guidelines, is required for this position. The SAP specialist also provides training to Student Central staff and other departments based on specific training needs. This position is a point of contact for all special programs that work with Financial Aid to better assist in their process. 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.

This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) and interacts with State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Department of Education (ED), Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

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 after training. This is subject to change based on the needs of the department and the college.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $59,724/year - $80,436/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 benefits are 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).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or Associate's Degree with equivalent education/experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis Two (2) or more years full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, working in a financial aid office in a higher education setting, with a demonstrated ability to work in accordance with policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations One (1) or more years full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, processing financial aid files, and offering aid to student in a higher education setting Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups Effective verbal and written communication skills Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret detailed information and troubleshoot and problem solve issues with attention to detail Demonstrated ability to think critically, be proactive, meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work Proficient in MS Office Effective customer service skills Experience in data entry, web applications, searching the internet, troubleshooting basic computer issues, and reporting

Position Specific Requirements

Complete NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) and/or FSA (Federal Student Aid) Coach certifications related to verification and student eligibility Complete a review of the WCG. WBG, and CBS program handbook within three months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with PeopleSoft (ctcLink) in a higher education setting Experience in administering one or more federal or state financial aid programs One (1) year experience working in a Washington State Community and Technical College setting in an office related to admissions, financial aid, finance, or other related field as a full-time employee, or equivalent experience as a part-time employee Demonstrated experience with database systems and federal databases and programs such as NSLDS, COD and CPS Online

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance. This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply

Applications received by 02/13/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) Attach a Resume Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email to mailto:View email address on click.appcast.io.

EEO Statement

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at The