Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Description

The Financial Aid Outreach Specialist is dedicated to student success, relationship-building, and creating meaningful impact. This role requires flexibility in scheduling to meet the dynamic needs of students and their families, as well as the ability to adapt quickly in ambiguous situations. The specialist will focus on educating students, families, schools, and communities about the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Through guidance and support, they will help students navigate the financial aid process with the end goal of increasing post-secondary enrollment. The position will primarily work within an assigned high school. In addition, the role will collaborate across high schools within the assigned territory, the CBC campus community, and at community events. The specialist will engage diverse audiences and inspire students to see the potential of higher education.

Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of a financial outreach plan for K-12 students, including state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and financial literacy;
• Represent CBC by interpreting and communicating complex financial aid, waiver, and scholarship information in easy-to-understand language to prospective college students and their families;
• Provide individual guidance to students and/or parents in person, via email and over the phone, related to the full process of applying for, receiving, and utilizing financial aid and scholarships;
• Develop and present inclusive and accessible financial aid sessions for various outreach efforts, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats;
• Identify creative outreach strategies for all students, with a particular focus on developing programming for historically underserved and first-generation students to increase post-secondary enrollment;
• Collaborate with high school staff, administrators, and counselors to create effective communication materials and marketing content, while coordinating and enhancing financial aid outreach efforts;
• Complete assigned special projects and/or program responsibilities based on operational necessity and individual experience and skills;
• Utilize data from the Student Achievement Council to conduct targeted outreach to high school students, prepare monthly outreach and recruitment reports, and participate in professional development to stay current in the field; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Experience with large group presentations/training; and
• Must have or be able to obtain at the time of hire, a valid driver’s license and be insurable; and
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English

• At least one (1) year (consecutive 12 months) of experience in student services or related education experience; and
• Experience working with and supporting underserved students including low-income, first-generation, and students of color.

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth;

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable;

Customer Service Skills: Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments;

Student Centered: Attention, interest, activities and efforts are centered upon the best interest of students; create and support an environment that enables learners to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals; provide courteous and helpful responses to all customers, whether they are students, general public or employees from another department;

Oral & Written Communication: Speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; structure and convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; review and edit written work constructively; ability to tailor to the audience in mind;

Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others’ ideas and try new things.

Problem Solving Skills: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Terms of Employment

Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time, state-funded position under a state-initiative and pilot program. It is an overtime eligible position and the typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW 28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: Information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at the time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.