Program Assistant (Financial Aid)

Centralia College is located on a 30-acre campus in the heart of Centralia, Washington and has been serving students in the Lewis County region since 1925. As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, ELL, and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees: Information Technology - Application Development, Diesel Technology, Applied Management (Business), Behavioral Healthcare and Teacher Education.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Since the college is committed to the success of all students, Centralia College also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington - Garrett Heyns Education Center located in Shelton, Washington and the Cedar Creek Corrections Center located in Littlerock, Washington. In addition to Green Hill School in Chehalis, Washington. In total, the college serves more than 7,000 students annually. For more than 90 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

For more information on Centralia College and what it can do for you, please call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Perform specialized technical/clerical duties in support of the Financial Aid Office, including Worker Retraining, BFET, Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst, EAOG and SEAG.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and participates in the daily operation of the Financial Aid Office. Under general supervision, perform routine clerical work in support of the Financial Aid Office. General knowledge of financial aid (traditional financial aid, student employment, WorkFirst, Worker Retraining, BFET, Opportunity Grant, Early Achievers and SEAG) needed to respond to inquiries from students, staff and the public with information and interpretation of policies and procedures related to financial aid processes. Compose written communications, establish and maintain records relating to financial aid programs administered by the Financial Aid Office.

Front Counter

This position is primarily responsible for all front counter duties. Following established guidelines, responds to inquiries regarding the financial aid programs available to students. Responsible for office telephone and email communications, receiving and referring current and prospective students, staff and the public. Facilitate communications and cleanup process for stale checks.

Under general supervision, provide students, staff, program participants and/or the public with information and interpretation of policies and activities related to financial aid programs, including traditional financial aid and workforce financial aid. Recommend alternative courses of action when needed. Compile highly confidential information and direct students in completing the financial aid forms including the FAFSA/WASFA. Primary responsibility to prepare and put together financial aid files for final review and awarding. As part of initial file review for financial aid timeframe and appeals, this position will have working knowledge of degree/certificate program requirements in support of Academic Advisement Reports and Ed planners. Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences as needed to keep abreast of the latest regulations.

Computer Knowledge

Process financial aid applications using PeopleSoft, COD, NSLDS, Microsoft Suite, and other applicable software. Run different ctcLink processes and reports as needed for file review. Responsible for monitoring the upload/download document feature in ctcLink, scheduling and running jobs, reviewing report results for accuracy, updating student information and routing files for further processing. Run award letter notification process, and verify award detail accuracy. Manage file label processing.

Provide Office Assistance As Needed

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Performing complex word processing tasks such as merging and sorting spreadsheet and database files
• Ordering and receiving financial aid forms
• Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences as needed to keep abreast of the latest regulations
• Other duties as assigned

High school graduation or equivalent

AND

Two years of full-time clerical experience

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

There is one 40 hours per week position. Classified employees are represented by the Washington State Federation of State Employees (WFSE). The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees.

DEADLINE: The postion will close April 17, 2024. The screening committee will begin their review April 18, 2024.

COMPENSATION
Monthly Salary: Range 37 ($3,145 - $4,072)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

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.

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report—Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.