Financial Aid Assistant

Mendocino-Lake Community College District is currently accepting applications for a Financial Aid Assistant to work in our Financial Aid Department.

This is a full-time Classified position 40 hours per week 12 months a year.

We are seeking an equity-minded person who is committed to supporting our diverse student population and the District Mission. Please review our District Mission Goals and Values at the following website:MLCCD - Mission Vision Goals

Under direction of the department manager serve as the primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office providing customer service in person by phone and via email; assist students with the application process; determine eligibility for the California College Promise Grant and awards; maintain necessary records; perform a variety of duties related to federal and state financial aid programs for students; provide technical assistance and information to students staff and the public; and perform related duties as assigned.

We recommend downloading this job announcement as you prepare your application materials for submission.Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the screening committee.

APPLICATION PROCEDUREThrough this online portal submit the following documents:

1. Completed online application
2. Resume
3. A cover letter that succinctly addresses how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you for this position
4. Contact information for 3 professional references (no letters please; letters submitted will not be reviewed by the screening committee)
5. Be prepared to answer the following supplemental question during the supplemental questions of the application:If you are selected for this position how will you demonstrate commitment to student success

Mendocino College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic socioeconomic cultural disability and ethnic backgrounds of our community college students.

The successful candidate will support student and institutional success by executing the following duties:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office; provide information and answer questions in person by phone and via email from students parents faculty staff and others regarding various federal and state financial aid programs and financial aid processes procedural guidelines application and documentation requirements and deadlines for application and disbursement.
• Perform a variety of specialized clerical duties related to the processing of applications and forms for various financial assistance programs which includes coding and checking documents correcting errors reconciling records and reviewing documents for completeness accuracy and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
• Provide follow-up communication with current students whose financial aid files are incomplete and who may need further support.
• Perform preliminary moderately complex evaluations to determine student eligibility in meeting federal and state financial aid requirements; provide information to students on the status of their federal and state aid applications and academic standing.
• Process and award the California College Promise Grants. Communicate with Fiscal Services to update student records.
• Interpret and implement rules regulations policies and procedures; assist Technicians in resolving questions and issues including unique financial assistance situations.
• Operate a computer terminal to scan input and retrieve information from a variety of
• specialized financial aid and student records systems.
• Communicate with faculty staff students and other individuals and organizations to provide program information and assistance; may refer students to other related programs and services.
• Support the facilitation of financial aid workshops for students and parents and orientation sessions for students.
• Prepare review maintain and distribute a variety of reports forms applications outreach materials requisitions schedules fliers calendars manuals handbooks announcements handouts and other documents; assure that information is accurate and program policies and procedures are met.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and related software calculator copier and others as applicable.
• Advises student employees on projects and tasks.
• Attend meetings and conferences.
• Participate in special Student Services student outreach activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Mobility: frequent sitting for long periods; frequent walking and standing; occasional reaching above and below desk level; frequent balancing on varied surfaces.
• Dexterity: frequent fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard; frequent grasping to handle individual papers write/take notes and feel individual objects.
• Lifting: frequent lifting of papers files equipment and material weighing up to 15 pounds; may lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Visual Requirements: frequent use of vision sufficient to read files documents and computer screens and do close-up work.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and speaking in person and on the telephone.
• Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent need to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

Must meet Human Resources guidelines for qualified hiring; including by not limited to a Live Scan background check and completion of TB test.

Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic socioeconomic cultural disability geographic and ethnic backgrounds of students staff and faculty.

Experience:One-year full-time experience as it reasonably relates to the assignment required.
Education: AA Preferred
Experience Equivalency:Experience of the same kind level or amount as required in the minimum qualifications may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Federal and state student financial assistance programs
• Outreach techniques and methods
• Public speaking techniques
• Interviewing and advising techniques
• Modern office practices procedures and equipment
• Basic mathematics
• Word processing spreadsheet and database software and data entry techniques
• Recordkeeping techniques
• Correct English usage grammar spelling punctuation vocabulary and basic arithmetic
• Receptionist and telephone techniques and etiquette
• Interpersonal skills using tact patience and courtesy
• Verbal and written communication skills

• Learn interpret apply and explain rules regulations policies and procedures of federal and state student financial assistance programs and the department
• Interview and advise students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Review information for compliance purposes
• Read financial and income tax statements
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Plan and organize work
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Work independently with little direction
• Complete work with many interruptions
• Assist with training and advising student workers
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a personal computer and related software calculator copier and others as applicable
• Provide own transportation

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above
Only completed applications with the above required documents will be reviewed by the committee
Application materials not required (including reference letters) for this position will not be reviewed
Remove personally identifiable information such as personal photos social security number birth date age and gender from your application materials.
Expenses related to the recruitment process are the responsibility of the applicant
Incomplete application packets will not be accepted
Interviews are by invitation only
The college does not reimburse applicants for related travel expenses

SELECTION PROCEDURE
A search committee will review and invite applicants for an interview. Meeting the posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. A written performance exercise and/or presentation may be a part of the interview and finalists may be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email and by accessing yourapplication profile.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT(Prior to beginning employment)

• In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States;
• Must be fingerprinted through DOJ and FBI and have background clearance; and Must take a TB test(once hired and every four years thereafter).
• Within 6 months of employment must complete required District trainings such as Sexual Harassment Prevention.

• Mendocino-Lake Community College District is not authorized to sponsor employment visas and be the employer of record for F-1 Visa - OPT extension.