Two regular, full-time positions, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year on the Oceanside Campus. The normal work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The persons selected for these positions will be subject to assignment to any district facility during any hours of operation. Remote work may be available up to 3 days per week during and after the probationary period after successful completion of training. Approval is up to the discretion of the financial aid supervisor and department director.

The first-level interviews with the screening and interview committee will be conducted via Zoom. The second-level interviews may be in-person or via Zoom.

REMOTE WORK:
MiraCosta College believes that flexible work enables employees to achieve a more successful balance between work responsibilities and family life. The District offers the opportunity to telework (remote work) for certain positions, depending on the operational needs of the District and the provisions of the telework policy. Probationary and temporary employees are not eligible to telework unless approved by the appropriate vice president. No employee is guaranteed the right to telework. No employee shall be authorized to telework 100% of the time; regular, on-campus presence is expected for all District employees on a weekly basis.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two-hundred (200) road miles from the employees regularly assigned district worksite. The purpose of the policy is to promote efficiency and continuity throughout all campus administrative functions, provide students with high quality assistance and accessibility to all academic and campus services, ensure that students receive an engaging education, and respond to emerging student needs.

The District may consider an individual request to temporarily reside outside of the State of California or outside the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twelve consecutive months.

MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment that affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion. The colleges commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility is expressed in the policy found at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/board-of-trustees/docs/3400BP-Inclusion-Diversity-Equity-Accessibility.pdf. Click on the following link to view the IDEA website: https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/idea/index.html.

MiraCosta College is committed to creating a racially just campus climate. Individuals and their diverse cultures and identities are welcomed, nurtured, and validated. MiraCosta College takes institutional responsibility for closing the equity gap for disproportionately impacted populations including Latinx and Chicanx communities, Black and African American communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, Native American communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, veteran communities, former foster youth, adult students, and students from low socioeconomic statuses. MiraCosta will continue to serve all constituents with values rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and community. MiraCosta Colleges Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Institutional Values & Goals can be viewed at https://www.miracosta.edu/office-of-the-president/docs/mccmissionstatement.pdf.

The college was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2013. This significant recognition acknowledges our institutions continuous efforts to support the academic performance and unique needs of Latinx students, many of whom are attending college for the first time or are first-generation. We are a veteran and military supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College. The successful candidate will join a campus that exhibits its dedication to all students and faculty through offering robust, culturally-responsive events, including speaker series dedicated to heritage month events through the Social Justice and Equity Center.

Starting at $74,834 per year (range 23, step 1), with annual salary step increases up to step 5. In addition, after five years of district service, employees earn a longevity stipend that increases over time.

Employees must make arrangements for the direct deposit of paychecks into the financial institution of their choice, via electronic fund transfer.

MiraCosta College offers an array of benefits to eligible employees.

 

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following documents directly in the online system and finish applying and receive a confirmation number by 11:59 PM on the closing date:

1. Application on which you list all relevant experience.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and experience.

3. A cover letter addressed to the “Screening and Interview Committee” specifically describing how your experience aligns with the Essential Duties, Other Duties, and Desirable Qualifications.

4. Transcripts of college coursework which provide evidence of meeting the minimum qualifications as stated in this job posting. Unofficial or legible photocopies are acceptable. If a degree(s) was earned, the transcripts must state that the degree was awarded. Any degree/coursework used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from a postsecondary institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

If your degree(s) is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. To view a list of agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, go to https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635). Transcripts or translations in English still require the evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.

The screening and interview committee will review application materials for up to three to four weeks following the closing/first screening date. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone; those not selected for interview will be notified by e-mail once interview candidates have been scheduled.

Offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense; 2) submission of a current tuberculosis test clearance; 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 4) fingerprint clearance; and 5) approval by the Board of Trustees.

Retired STRS members are not eligible for this position.

Under general supervision, perform specialized journey-level technical duties in support of financial aid programs and services; receive, analyze and validate financial aid applications; perform needs analyses, determine eligibility and package awards in accordance with district policies and federal, state and local requirements; determine status of financial aid funds including overpayments; monitor and reconcile Federal Work Study program expenditures; and perform related duties as assigned.

A Financial Aid Technician is distinguished from a Financial Aid Assistant and Student Services Advisor in that an incumbent in the former class is responsible for more complex technical decisions, use of State/Department of Education legislation and interpretation of complex legislation policies and procedures requiring advanced technical knowledge and experience gained through professional education and specialized experience.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational environment.

2. Analyze financial data, family circumstances, household size, and educational goals when advising students of federal, state, and district regulations and policies for determining eligibility. Evaluate financial aid needs using standard federal formulas for all available programs to determine Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) in each case. Assign student budgets for packaging financial aid and scholarships; ensure students receive the correct amount of aid awarded based on their Cost of Attendance; revise budgets as required based on changes in students personal circumstances or attendance schedules.

3. Serve as functional lead for the student financial aid application and verification tracking systems; make recommendations regarding system modifications to improve functionality and ease of student experience; monitor transactions for fraudulent activity; review third-party software applications and perform actions needed to process student refunds or determine eligibility for refunds.

4. Manage, coordinate and lead assigned major financial aid programs for the district; master the detailed technical knowledge and procedural requirements of each assigned program to become the programs in-house expert; consult with state and federal agencies for assistance with regulations and procedures for resolutions as needed; implement new programs established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) in a timely manner.

5. Act as the steward for financial aid funds; review student enrollment status, monthly enrollment changes and programs of study; communicate with faculty on student engagement to determine and process overpayments, Return to Title IV funds (R2T4) and post-withdrawal disbursements; research individual courses taken as repeats and determine whether to adjust student enrollment status for payment based on Retaking Coursework rules; coordinate with external colleges and universities to resolve financial aid funding issues.

6. Evaluate special circumstance appeals, applying sound, technical judgement; address exceptional circumstances and effect any changes in EFC/SAI based on decisions made. Adjust student financial aid awards based on adjustments made to students FAFSA or CADAA.

7. Monitor student progress for compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Plans to ensure continuation of aid; apply MiraCosta College Satisfactory Academic Progress policy to comply with federal rules; identify and advise students in resolving academic progress issues that may affect aid; process financial aid appeals by reviewing and validating supporting documentation of extenuating circumstances; analyze student academic transcripts; act as a liaison with academic counselors to ensure students educational plan is up to date.

8. Research, review, interpret, apply and maintain detailed knowledge of Title IV federal and California education rules, policies and procedures governing student financial aid and programs.
9. Conduct comprehensive audits of student financial aid files to verify completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all information and documentation supporting a students financial aid status; identify and assist in resolving compliance issues for required procedural or regulatory reporting, filing or submission.

10. Develop and coordinate financial aid outreach events at local high schools and within the campus community; act as the Financial Aid Liaison and serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned cohort of students within the Academic Career Pathways (ACP) and the ACP Case Management team; prepare cross-training materials for staff on financial aid processes, policies, and procedures. 11. Counsel and advise individual students and families on financial aid literacy, debt management, awarding procedures, eligibility requirements, application and verification deadlines, and applicable appeal processes as needed.

12. Provide technical assistance to students, parents and staff on all aspects of financial aid.

1. Conduct complex verification pertaining to student financial aid eligibility forms.

2. Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, local and campus regulations, policies and guidelines that affect programs and application processing and eligibility requirements; attend workshops, conferences and other training sessions involving financial aid as assigned.

3. Create, develop, maintain, and update specialized and custom forms, databases, logs, files, records, reports, and queries; design, develop, analyze, and maintain spreadsheets and databases requiring data interpretation and manipulation.

4. Develop and deliver organized and comprehensive oral presentations on financial aid during outreach and campus events. Provide hands-on assistance and expert knowledge with completing federal and state financial aid applications (FAFSA and CADAA).

5. Provide backup to other staff in the department as needed.

6. Perform related duties as assigned.

1. Personal and financial issues/special circumstances of disadvantaged students.

2. Federal, state and local financial aid programs and regulations, including expert knowledge of Federal Student Aid Handbook, California Student Aid Commission Cal Grant Handbook, and Department of Education Federal Register.

3. Policies, objectives and technical aspects of financial aid programs and activities.

4. Financial and statistical recordkeeping techniques.

5. Advanced skills in research methods and procedures.

6. Applicable sections of the state education code.

7. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

8. Interviewing, counseling, and advising techniques.

9. Report preparation.

10. Telephone techniques and etiquette.

11. District organization, functions, rules, policies, and procedures applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

12. Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

13. Written and oral communication skills including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

1. Exercise sound judgment in reviewing student financial aid applications.

2. Perform complex journey-level technical and analytical duties in support of financial aid programs and services.

3. Recognize, investigate, and determine possible fraudulent activity within student financial aid applications (FAFSAA/CADAA) and verification documents including loan requests and BankMobile disbursements.

4. Assist with planning and organizing financial aid programs and services.

5. Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures and apply them in a variety of procedural situations.

6. Operate a computer and use PeopleSoft, CampusLogic, WorkDay, WebGrants, BankMobile, EDConnect, COD, NSLDS, FAA Access and other business software.

7. Work independently with little direction and confidentially with discretion.

8. Plan and organize work.

9. Meet schedules and timelines.

10. Train and provide work direction to others.

11. Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.

12. Establish priorities and work effectively with many demands on time.

13. Resolve conflicts and solve problems.

14. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

15. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

16. Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

17. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

Graduation from an associate degree program, and at least two years of progressively responsible experience involving admissions, student records and/or financial aid processes; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

NOTE: For work experience, one “year” is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 12 months, or at least 2,080 hours.

Previous experience in financial aid services in higher education or equivalent professional experience desired.

A valid California drivers license and the ability to maintain insurability under the districts vehicle insurance program.

The physical efforts described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds; ability to travel to various locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds on a regular, ongoing basis; ability to work effectively under pressure on a variety of tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Primarily business office environment; subject to frequent public contact and interruption and intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion. Occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday hours are required on an as-needed basis.