Website Hartnell Community College
Financial Aid Specialist
Hartnell Community College
Salary: $5,640.00 – $6,855.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full-Time Classified
Job Number: 202400274
Location: Main Campus 411 Central Avenue, Salinas
Department: Financial Aid
Closing: 2/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DESCRIPTION:
Under general direction of the Dean of Student Affairs – Enrollment Services or other administrator in assigned area, the Financial Aid Specialist is assigned to the day to day technical duties of the Financial Aid Department including awarding federal and state aid. Financial Aid Specialists have high technical knowledge of financial aid programs and procedures to independently assist students using a variety of mediums.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Financial Aid Specialist is the intermediate level classification in the financial aid series. The Financial Aid Specialist performs a variety of responsible, complex, and technical duties relating to the linkage between federal, state, and institutional processes involved in analyzing and verifying application data for processing, tracking, and awarding financial aid funds. The incumbent is typically assigned responsibility for specific completed financial aid functions, and any of the duties contained in the entry level of this classification.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLE OF DUTIESREPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
• Administer federal and state financial aid programs (e.g., Pell Grant, Cal Grant Program) and coordinate with the college’s Business Office and with federal and state reconciliation systems.
• Comply with Title IV federal regulations and state regulations in regards to delivery of funds to students.
• Analyze student data and certify eligibility for program participation as required; interpret apply and explain complex rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of a variety of documents, including but not limited to: federal tax returns, official academic transcripts, immigration documents, Selective Service correspondence, Social Security documents, court orders, medical transcripts, official birth certificates and promissory notes.
• Verify application information and supporting documentation; recalculate financial need as required; evaluate special circumstances influencing need analysis results and recommend appropriate changes in awards.
• Assess student needs and interests and develop viable plans and alternatives.
• Advise students on relevant financial aid processes and procedures including, but not limited to, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal procedure, and Dependency Override procedure; provide award letter notifications.
• Advise and counsel students who are in default of their student loans; work with loan servicers, U.S. Department of Education, and other appropriate organizations in order to cure delinquent student loan accounts.
• Plan, organize, and conduct orientations and workshops; deliver oral presentations to students, parents, counselors, and others.
• Audit files and determine students’ continued eligibility for financial aid.
• Coordinate activities with other related on-campus student services; refer students to social service agencies and other community resources as appropriate.
• Research and maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and requirements for financial aid and student loan programs to ensure compliance and accurate distribution of information.
• Attend and conduct various meetings; lead and participate in on- and off-campus workshops.
• Monitor grant award process and disbursements; make electronic payments to student accounts and banking agencies.
• Provide technical expertise to other personnel, faculty, students, and the public regarding financial aid programs and services.
• Process BOGW applications according to established procedures.
• Operate a computer and related software to enter and retrieve data; operate calculator, copier, and other standard business machines.
• Analyze both internal and external financial aid reports assessing for accuracy and completeness
• Compile, prepare and maintain reports, files, records, and correspondence related to financial aid matters, including but not limited to those required by program auditors.
• Assist in training new staff as requested; assist with developing work schedules for student workers as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Rules, regulations, procedures, policies and function of federal, state and District financial aid programs
• Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
• College and community resources for students
• Applicable computer operation and software such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs
• Correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Technical aspects of field of specialty
• Financial and income tax statements
ABILITY TO:
• Interview, advise, and counsel students regarding financial aid programs.
• Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Exercise reasonable judgment in unusual circumstances
• Utilize and apply the technology of word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
• Learn and apply applicable sections of the state Education Code and other laws, and district organization, operations, policies and objectives
• Utilize correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Prepare and maintain confidential and complex records and files
• Work independently with limited direction and function effectively within a team setting while demonstrating leadership qualities
• Interpret, communicate, and apply complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures effectively
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Keyboard at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position
• Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Plan and organize work
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work effectively with frequent interruptions
• Train and provide work direction to others
• Understand and implement district operations, policies, and objectives
• Conduct workshops and presentations for students, parents, and other groups
• Meet schedules and timelines
Supplemental Information
Any combination equivalent to: associate’s degree and four years of increasingly responsible experience in a student services or related program.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Eligibility to access the National Student Loan Data System.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This is a regular, full-time, 12-month per year classified position at the Main Campus. Weekly Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Starting salary: $5,640.00/monthly (Step A). The salary range 31 on the CSEA salary schedule is $5,640 – $6,855 (5Steps). The district provides health benefits consisting of full medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and a high percentage of coverage for eligible dependents. District-paid life, accident, and income protection insurance is provided for the employee only. Must become a Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) member.
APPLICATION PROCEDUREThe following documents MUST be uploaded as attachments to your online application:1) Resume2) Cover letter3) Unofficial College/university transcripts
Fostering a Culture of CareCaring Campus, developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC), is dedicated to creating a culture of care within community colleges. The objective of IEBC’s https://www.hartnell.edu/hr/caring-campus.html program is to increase student retention and success. We understand that when students feel connected to their college, they are more likely to succeed academically.At Hartnell College, we embrace the https://www.hartnell.edu/hr/caring-campus.html culture. By implementing intentional, campus-wide behavioral commitments, we enhance our existing student success initiatives and create an environment where care and support are integral.Join us on this journey of fostering a caring environment where students thrive. Together, we can transform Hartnell College into a place where care and success go hand in hand, empowering our students to reach their full potential.
Applicant Acknowledgment
I understand that working in a community college environment requires a strong commitment to serving students and community members from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds. I recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes equitable access, student success, and a sense of belonging for all individuals at Hartnell College.
EEO StatementHartnell Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6889799
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