Financial Aid Specialist

Copper Mountain Community College (CA); Joshua Tree (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Copper Mountain College seeks a detail-focused Financial Aid Clerk to support processing of applications under federal, state and district policies. You will meet with students, review forms, verify information and maintain confidential records.

The role requires good data entry, organization and communication skills, ability to work with diverse student populations, and the capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school plus two years of college coursework and two years of office experience, incl. one year in a financial function.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and assistance regarding financial aid programs to staff, students and the public.
• Perform needs analysis to determine eligibility and package and award aid.
• Process applications and verification forms and monitor changes.
• Conduct confidential interviews with students to validate information.
• Maintain student records and prepare reports.
• Coordinate with offices and external agencies as needed.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Two years of college coursework

Tools

Financial aid software

Job description

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, perform specialized technical and clerical duties related to processing financial aid applications in accordance with Federal, State and District policies, guidelines, rules and laws; perform specialized and confidential duties to assist students who seek financial assistance; and perform related duties as assigned.

• Promote sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds within a community college environment.
• Provide technical information and assistance regarding financial aid programs and answer questions from staff, students and the public regarding financial aid programs and the process of receiving financial aid; meet with students to discuss programs and review applications.
• Perform needs analysis to determine eligibility; package and award financial aid in accordance with Federal, State and District policies, regulations, guidelines, rules and laws.
• Process applications and verification forms; analyze records for changes in status; request and review transcripts, records and other information needed to determine the status of applications and forms; resolve problems regarding the financial aid process and disbursement of financial aid.
• Conduct confidential interviews with students to answer questions, resolve problems, validate information submitted and clarify discrepancies; assure accurate and complete documentation; conduct exit interviews.
• Research, compile and prepare financial records and reports; prepare and type letters and other correspondence; maintain student records and files.
• Determine eligibility of students for Pell Grants, FSEOG, EOPS, CCPG Fee Waiver (BOGW), Federal Work Study, emergency loans, scholarships, and Federal Student Loans; ensure compliance with program requirements; assist in management of program funds.
• Monitor eligibility and academic progress of students to assure correct expenditure of Federal and State Funds.
• Maintain current knowledge of Federal and State laws, local and campus regulations, policies and guidelines that affect programs and application processing and eligibility requirements.
• Participate in evaluating internal operating procedures; recommend changes in policies, procedures, handbooks, and other documents to improve student financial aid support.
• Plan, organize and implement a default reduction procedure.
• Assisting with the ordering of goods and advertising and preparing and tracking purchase orders and travel forms.
• Serve as Financial Aid liaison as assigned at meetings and workshops both on campus and off campus.
• Operate modern office equipment including calculators and computers; enter, update and revise computer records and information; recommend format and procedural changes to enhance reporting and record-keeping capabilities.
• Conduct workshops, orientations, and financial aid nights at local high school and other community events as assigned.
• Enter data and maintain computer records relating to financial aid programs.
• Use professional judgment in unusual and special circumstances within federal, state and district guidelines.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by two years of college coursework and two years of increasingly responsible office experience including at least one year in a financial function.

Knowledge of:

Modern office practices, procedures and equipment; Federal, State and District regulations and procedures regarding financial aid; record-keeping techniques; operation of a computer terminal, data entry techniques and applicable software; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; principles of training and providing work direction.

Ability to:

Resolve complex and difficult issues; perform technical work in support of the Financial Aid office; learn State, Federal and District regulations and procedures regarding financial aid; meet with students, college departments, local, state and federal agencies to provide information regarding financial aid programs; operate office machines including a computer and applicable word processing and financial aid software; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; maintain records and prepare reports; understand and follow financial aid regulations; understand and work within established policies, guidelines and regulations; interpret and communicate policies, guidelines, regulations and laws to staff, students and the public; prioritize and schedule work; meet schedules and timelines; type accurately; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work confidentially with discretion; train and provide work direction to others; work independently with little direction; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in working with data and files; learn software programs and database systems used to track, approve, monitor and disburse financial aid.

• Bending and reaching to obtain or replace files and records.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Able to lift materials and supplies up to 15 pounds.

Tentative Timeline:

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 5, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

*All dates are subject to change based on availability

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Copper Mountain College is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons and to provide educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, gender identification, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disabilities, and other physical or verbal conduct. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the School District's Title IX Officer and/or Section 504/ADA Coordinator.