ABOUT THE COLLEGE 
Palo Verde College is a publicly supported 2-year college located in the beautiful Southeastern California desert.  Yearly enrollment is approximately 7,000 students (full and part-time).
 
Palo Verde Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment which affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion. At Palo Verde College, we value every team members contribution in achieving the mission of providing excellent educational programs and services that contribute to the success of our students and the vitality of the community we serve. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working collaboratively in an environment of diversity, culture, thinking, and learning.  

Palo Verde College is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and proudly offers many programs to serve and support our diverse student body. College faculty are expected to be willing to utilize different learning and teaching methods appropriate to the students they serve. Palo Verde College expands access to higher education and learning opportunities by providing education via  in person, online,  correspondence education, hybrid classes, and interactive television (ITV) modalities. Further information on the College's distance education programs can be found in the College Catalog. In addition, Palo Verde College is committed to serving students who have been impacted by the criminal justice system through education. Resources for teaching classes for incarcerated or formerly incarcerated students are available through the Rising Scholar Network.

LOCATION
Palo Verde College is located in the City of Blythe at one of the busiest entrance points to California.  The college is located in a desert oasis adjacent to the beautiful Colorado River and the Palo Verde Valley.  Blythe, and the fertile Palo Verde Valley, is primarily a farming and ranching area.   Boating, fishing and hunting attract many tourists.  The Palo Verde Valley is centrally located between Phoenix and Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the Mexican border.  The valleys great climate, with more than 350 days of sunshine and mild winters, attracts thousands of winter visitors every year.

NATURE OF THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid or designee, the Financial Aid Technician I performs computer data entry functions and record keeping and verification tasks necessary for the maintenance and processing of student Financial Aid records. The Financial Aid Technician I supports the Financial Aid office in providing timely and accurate information to students and staff; updates and maintains financial aid information within policy and procedural limits; assists students regarding financial aid application procedures.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs technical and clerical support duties related to the processing and maintenance of financial aid applications and records. 
2. Greets and assists employees, students, and the public; provides information regarding financial aid application procedures; ensures coverage of the front counter at all times.
3. Assists students with applying for Financial Aid with current regulations; assists in explaining eligibility criteria; refers students to workshops and other sources of financial aid information.
4. Assists with notifying students of missing information or additional requirements.
5. Gathers, enters, updates financial aid information in various database systems; assists with the set up and maintenance of student files.
6. Orders office supplies as necessary to maintain proper office supplies.
7. Coordinates all conference and travel for financial aid staff members; creates department purchase requisitions.
8. Assists with the preparation of communication pieces and electronic correspondence to students. 
9. Responsible for the scanning and archiving of student financial aid documents.
10. Assists with revising and updates forms to improve systems and expedite processes. 
11. Collaborates with various student services and academic department including services located at the Needles Center.
12. Assists in the workflow for processing file documents and completion of all financial aid requests in compliance with Federal, State and Institutional regulations.
13. Ensures accurate communication and marketing of financial information to a diverse student population through advertising campaigns, flyers, letters, emails and websites which including information regarding financial aid updates, deadlines and programs. 
14. Assists with data entry of the state wide grant Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGW); audits BOGW application eligibility requirements; maintains BOGW records in compliance with State regulations.
15. Assists in verifying Veterans eligibility for BOGW through the Department of Veteran Affairs.
16. Assists with the collection of data and preparation of reports.
17. Ensures all non-verified files are processed and prepared for timely awarding. 
18. Keeps informed on rules and regulations of financial aid and veterans programs. 
19. Assists with workshops and seminars related to student financial operations and benefits for students.
20. Maintains confidentiality of records and complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. 
21. Participates in District training programs.
22. Learns and applies emerging technologies as necessary to perform duties in an efficient organized and timely manner. 
23. Maintains a friendly, supportive atmosphere for students, staff, faculty and the public.
24. Demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in all aspects of job performance; actively promotes and creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. 
25. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

1. High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Type at 40 wpm.
3. Passage of the District's clerical skills tests.
4. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
5. Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines.
6. Experience in data entry, retrieval, and report preparation.
7. Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, ethnic, racial, age, national origin, religious, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and socio-economic backgrounds.

1. Associates Degree from an accredited institution. 
2. Prior experience working in a Student Services or Financial Aid Department.
3. Knowledge of the California Education Code, Title 5, Chancellors Office administrative procedures, State and/or Federal law regulations and other legal parameters that affect the policies and practices of the financial aid department. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. The physical demands and work environment are typical of an administrative job in an office environment. 
2. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. This is a  Full-Time Classified position, 40 hours per week, 12-months.  May include evening and weekend duty.
2. Row 5 on the classified salary schedule.
3. The District offers an attractive package of fringe benefits including medical, prescription, dental, vision and life insurance as accorded per CSEA agreement.

1. To guarantee consideration, a completed application and any other required material listed, must be submitted with the online application by the published closing date.
2. Applications are only accepted for positions currently open for recruitment.
3. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee you an interview.
4. Current employees who are applying for a position should be aware that material from their personnel files will not be included as part of the application packet, and they should provide information on past and present employment in the same degree of detail as any other candidate.
5. Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit a separate application and required materials for each position.
6. Legible photocopies of documents will only be accepted.
7. Travel costs related to the interview process will be borne solely by the candidate.
8. Please read the job announcement/description carefully to ensure your background and education meet the requirements of the position
9. The selection process may also include practical exercise (i.e., training demonstration and/or other written, technical manipulative, or simulation exercises), or skilled testing to evaluate candidates qualifications.
10. Applicants with foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an Accredited United States Institution, please see the approved organizations listed in the following link: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl635.pdf?sfvrsn=bb4f6e6a_6  or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services link: https://www.naces.org/