.Federal Work-Study Student Assistant - Orange Coast College 2026/2027 Academic Year

Coast Community College District; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Coast Community College District's Student Employment Program seeks Federal Work-Study Student Assistants for the Academic Year 2026–2027. Eligible students must be awarded federal work-study and enrolled in current classes to participate.

Roles involve assisting in various departments, performing routine tasks, and supporting student services. Selected candidates will work within the OCC district, balancing coursework with part-time responsibilities, under the supervision of department staff.

Qualifications

• Students must be enrolled in classes for the current semester and have been awarded federal work-study through the financial aid office to be eligible for a student assistant position under the federal work-study funding.

Responsibilities

• Engage in student assistant duties as assigned by departments within the Coast Community College District.
• Assist in routine office tasks, data entry, and coordination with supervisors.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and ability to balance academic commitments with work-study responsibilities.

Skills

Enrolled in classes

Balance work and studies

Diversity & Inclusion

Education

Federal Work-Study eligibility

Job description

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026 - 2027

Federal Work-study Student Assistant Program Description Federal Work-Study, also referred to as FWS, is one of the three major federal student aid programs from the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide part-time employment to students who have established significant financial need according to federal guidelines. The federal government pays a percentage of the student's salary; the school pays the remainder. FWS is part of the total financial aid package and is not intended to be the sole source of assistance. Many students either seek a position related to their career objective or seek positions that offer skill development. In either case, the FWS Program is intended to provide a balance between the interests of the student and the needs of the department.

Definition

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

FOR

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026 - 2027

Federal Work-study Student Assistant Program Description Federal Work-Study, also referred to as FWS, is one of the three major federal student aid programs from the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide part-time employment to students who have established significant financial need according to federal guidelines. The federal government pays a percentage of the student's salary; the school pays the remainder. FWS is part of the total financial aid package and is not intended to be the sole source of assistance. Many students either seek a position related to their career objective or seek positions that offer skill development. In either case, the FWS Program is intended to provide a balance between the interests of the student and the needs of the department.

About

THE COLLEGE - About Orange Coast College Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa, just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches, with its main campus in Costa Mesa and a campus in Newport Beach (Waterfront Campus). Orange Coast College (OCC) was founded in 1947 with the mission to serve the educational needs of a diverse local and global community. The College empowers students to achieve their goals by providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and innovative programs and services through pathways leading to degrees, transfers, certificates, foundational skills, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The College promotes student development, learning, and equitable outcomes by fostering a respectful, inclusive, caring, and participatory campus climate of student engagement and academic inquiry. Ideal candidates for this position will share OCC’s dedication to transforming lives through education, with a strong commitment to serving a diverse and vibrant student population. We currently enroll 18,121 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 39% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African-American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% are Native American, 28% are White, and 6% are multiracial. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an eligibility designation as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Orange Coast College reflects the dynamic diversity in the region.

Orange Coast College (OCC) engages in a wide range of collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a culture of educational excellence and inclusivity. With a commitment to providing high-quality academic programs and student-centered support services, OCC creates an environment where all students can thrive. As a diverse and globally-minded institution, the college takes pride in initiatives that empower student communities by promoting cultural synergy across departments, including the Office of Student Equity, the Global Engagement Center, and the Multicultural Center.

OCC is a recognized leader in preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions and holds the prestigious designations of both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The college also boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is the first community college in Southern California to offer on-campus residential housing with over 300 apartment units, further enhancing the student experience.

Orange Coast College Employee-Student Demographic Information

Direct Link: Employee / Student Profile Comparison Dashboard

About The District The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services. Coastline, Golden West, and Orange Coast colleges enroll more than 60,000 students each year in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. The Coast Community College District values diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism by creating a culture of inclusive excellence that uplifts employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & IMPACT The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen its efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. Orange Coast College is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We place strong emphasis on building an inclusive culture and atmosphere of belonging.

• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Page
• Vision, Mission, Values, and Governance
• Educational Master Plan (2021-2027)

Ideal candidates for this position will share OCC's commitment to transforming lives through education and to serving a diverse and vibrant student and employee population.

Orange Coast College Student Employment Program

Direct SEP Page Link: About OCC Student Employment Program & Opportunities

Education Student employment provides an opportunity to earn money and continue your education, train with people who manage the day-to-day business of the institution you attend, and combine your academic study with on-the-job experience. Job opportunities under this program offer you temporary employment with the Coast Community College District. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities can be related to your academic field of study, but do not need to be. The Student Employment Program consists of opportunities available in one of these specific roles within the program:

• General-Student Assistant
• Federal Work-Study Student Assistant
• CalWORKs Work-Study Student Assistant

Non-academic, non-classified Student Assistants are not part of the classified service.

The Education Code prohibits the displacement of classified personnel and the impairment of existing contracts by either the employment of full-time or part-time students in any college work-study program or in a work experience education program. Student Assistants are at-will employees, have no entitlement rights to any position in the District, and are not benefits-eligible.

• During the fall and spring semesters, Student Assistants may work up to 19.5 hours per week.
• During the Winter Intercession and Summer (June–August), when students are enrolled in classes, Student Assistants may work up to 28 hours per week. If students are not enrolled in classes, Student Assistants may work up to 40 hours per week.
• When there are no classes in session (i.e., spring break or between sessions), Student Assistants may work up to 40 hours per week.

A student assistant works in a particular department of the college or the district site and has job responsibilities specifically designed for a student as non-classified job responsibilities.

Student Assistants perform duties from unskilled to skilled and/or specialized in a variety of positions that typically require the use of manual, clerical, and public contact. The nature of the job may vary from department to department. Assignments have limited use of discretion and judgment. Work is regularly reviewed and may entail detailed instructions. Student Assistant job assignments take into account the class timings and exam schedule of the student and are more flexible than off-campus jobs.

Student assistants have a wide variety of choices and can choose assignments in a department that align with their academic and career goals and interests, as available. Accordingly, the duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the nature of the assignment. Duties will be determined based on the needs of the position in the respective department.

Representative Duties Specific job duties are defined by the appropriate Division and/or Department. Considerable training may occur on the job.

Student Assistant I – Entry Level/Semi-skilled Work is under immediate supervision (methods of performing tasks are well established and explained in specific terms). Work assignments typically involve standardized duties that are of a routine and repetitive nature. Work assignments may include the use of special equipment, software applications, or tools per an established procedure. The supervisor has responsibility for the assignment of work, the flow of work, production level, and provision of proper instructions.

Student Assistant II – Intermediate/Advanced Work is under general supervision (work objectives are set but methods of performing tasks are left up to the employee) with specialized training done on the job. Work assignments are varied and less routine and involve a moderate degree of responsibility. Work assignments may involve access to and use of sophisticated data systems and confidential information for which considerable training is required. The supervisor has responsibility for the assignment of work, however, there is less control exercised over the flow of work and the instruction given is more general. Jobs may require moderate independent judgment, analysis, and decision-making skills; must have a minimum of one year of experience in the same student assistant assignment.

Student Assistant III – Specialist/Lead Work is under general supervision (work objectives are set but methods of performing tasks are left up to the employee). Work assignments involve a broad variety of skills and/or tasks for which considerable training is required. Jobs require the application of considerable independent judgment and decision-making. Students at this level may have the responsibility to direct the work of lower-level student employees; must have a minimum of two years of experience in the same student assistant assignment.

Qualifications And Physical Demands

Education and Experience:

• Student Assistant I: Little or no prior experience or education required
• Student Assistant II: Some previous knowledge, experience, or education required
• Student Assistant III: Prior experience, education, or specialized skills required

Skills and Competencies

• Skills required to perform job assignments.
• Depending on the Student Assistant level and specific job assignment, jobs require limited independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to balance work and studies.

Qualifications:

• Students must be enrolled in classes for the current semester and have been awarded federal work-study through the financial aid office to be eligible for a student assistant position under the federal work-study funding.
• Evidence of demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, geographic, gender, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. (California Code of Regulations Title 5 53022; Education Code Section 87360; Coast Community College District EEO Plan)

Conditions of Employment

Non-academic, non-classified Student Assistants are not part of the classified service.

The Education Code prohibits displacement of classified personnel and impairment of existing contracts by either the employment of full-time or part-time students in any college work-study program or in a work experience education program. Student Assistants are at-will employees, have no entitlement rights to any position in the District, and are not benefits-eligible.

• During the fall and spring semesters, Student Assistants may work up to 19.5 hours per week.
• During the Winter Intercession and Summer (June–August), when students are enrolled in classes, Student Assistants may work up to 28 hours per week. If students are not enrolled in classes, Student Assistants may work up to 40 hours per week.
• When there are no classes in session (i.e., spring break or between sessions), Student Assistants may work up to 40 hours per week.

Employment is contingent upon verification of federal work-study award, class schedule, employment history, background verification as governed under Education Code requirements, eligibility to work in the United States, and approval by the CCCD Board of Trustees. Student Assistant assignments do not offer fringe benefits or pay for holidays or time not worked. The hours of work and the effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor.

• Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
• The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
• The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following before employment:

• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received before the first day of employment); AND
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States, including a Social Security Card; AND
• Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.

Additional Information

Application Requirements

To be considered for employment, you must submit a complete application packet. A complete application packet includes:

• Complete Online Employment Application - (education and work experience/volunteer experience must be thoroughly completed)
• Attach a copy of your Current Class Schedule (Academic Year Fall 2026 / Spring 2027) must be attached - PDF recommended
• Attach a copy of your Federal Work-Study Award Email must be attached - PDF recommended

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or email at [e-mail].

• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• A detailed list of physical demands and work environment is on file and will be provided upon request.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. We are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Title IX & Sex Discrimination

Fringe benefits are not applicable.

REQUIRED: Provide your Student ID#

How does your knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism guide you? And why are these important in this Student Assistant role? Please provide a specific example(s).

Share the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities you possess and would bring to any student assistant position. Be sure to highlight specific strengths that make you the best individual for the Student Assistant role.

In order to be a Federal Work-Study Student Assistant, you must be awarded federal work-study through the financial aid office based on the financial aid application you submitted. Were you awarded federal work-study as part of your financial aid package?

• Yes
• No

How many units are you currently enrolled in?

What is your area of study? For example, Math, History, Fine Arts, etc.

How many units have you already completed?

• Already completed a degreed program
• More than 50 units
• 20-50 units
• Less than 20 units

How many years of work experience do you have?

• More than 5 years
• 2-5 years
• 0-2 years

What days due you have any availability to be scheduled to work? Check all that apply.

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Please indicate the areas in which you are interested in training/working in.

• Accounting/Finance
• Admission & Records
• Special Programs - Studenty Equity (CalWORKS, EOPS, Guardian Scholars, etc.)
• Math & Sciences
• Food Services
• Child Care
• Research
• Information Technology (IT)
• Student Services
• Library
• Waterfront Campus
• Planetarium
• Tutor - Writing
• Tutor - Math
• Tutor - General
• Outreach
• OCC Mascot
• Front Desk - General Clerical
• Human Resources

Are you a current or previous OCC student employee?

• Yes
• No

I understand that a COMPLETE application packet is required for consideration, which includes the following: 1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application. I have made sure to fill out the education section and work experience - to include any volunteer experience. 2. A copy of your current Class Schedule and total units must be attached. 3. A copy of your Federal Work-Study Award Letter

• Yes
• No
• Required Question