FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST I

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,242 - 74,835; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Pension contributions

Vacation days

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist I to assist students in navigating financial aid applications. This role involves helping students understand requirements for grants, loans, and scholarships, and performing needs analysis for eligibility.

The position offers a full-time schedule, with potential grant funding, and requires strong knowledge of financial aid regulations. Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, and pension contributions.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school with coursework in accounting or related fields.
• Two years of increasingly responsible clerical experience in a service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist students applying for various financial aid programs.
• Verify application information and identify financial needs.
• Explain financial aid regulations and direct resources to students.

Skills

Knowledge of financial aid programs regulations

Communication skills

Ability to work with diverse backgrounds

Business math computations

Education

High school graduation with college coursework in business or related field

Two years of clerical experience in financial record-keeping

Job description

FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST I

Location: Evergreen Valley College, San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

Close/First Review Date: 07/19/2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Specialist I reports to the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarship Programs at Evergreen Valley College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The position is grant funded and contingent upon yearly funding and is represented by CSEA (California School Employees Association), Chapter 363.

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Financial Aid administrator, interview and assist students applying for financial aid; preliminarily assess financial need and provide students with an overview of requirements for program eligibility for work study, loans, grants and scholarships.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Financial Aid Specialist I assists students at the counter or by phone with various financial aid programs and supports other specialists while learning the programs. This differs from the Financial Aid Specialist II, who serves in a specialized capacity for computer systems and/or specific program management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist students in applying for various types of Federal, State, and other financial aid programs and resources; interview students at the counter and assist them in completing applications.
2. Verify application information and supporting documentation using predetermined methods; identify financial need as required and assure completeness of documents at counter.
3. Explain Federal, State, and District regulations, requirements, policies and procedures related to a wide range of financial aid programs to students, faculty, and staff.
4. Identify financial needs of students, faculty and staff and direct them to appropriate resources on campus and online materials.
5. Assist in performing needs analysis; direct students to online award letters using institutional software.
6. Evaluate and determine fee waivers based on student eligibility.
7. Maintain current knowledge of State and Federal financial aid programs; attend meetings, workshops and conferences regarding changes in eligibility requirements, application procedures and related issues.
8. Prepare and maintain a variety of records, files and reports related to financial aid activities; assist in compiling and maintaining statistical data for inclusion in State and Federal reports.
9. Assist other Financial Aid Specialists on specific programs as assigned.
10. Operate a variety of office equipment and machines including computers, peripheral equipment, calculators and copiers.
11. Perform other duties reasonably related to the job classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Federal, State and local student financial aid programs regulations and guidelines.
• Financial problems encountered by college students and parents.
• Financial and statistical record‑keeping techniques.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Skills and Abilities

• Work with students/parents from a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Learn rules, regulations, procedures, policies and functions of Federal, State and District financial aid programs.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures and regulations regarding financial aid programs.
• Determine eligibility for financial aid through need analysis.
• Operate office machines including a computer and applicable software.
• Perform business math computations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with and effectively serve students.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by college coursework in business, accounting, social services or related field.
• Two years of increasingly responsible clerical experience involving financial record‑keeping and public contact in a services‑oriented environment.

District’s Diversity Requirements

• Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
• Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District’s hiring policy, or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Salary Range

$61,242 - $74,835 Annual Salary (Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2025-2026). Starting placement is generally at Step 1.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, long‑term disability, employee assistance, pension contributions (26.81% of salary), optional plans (extra life insurance, FSA, 403b, 457). Classified employees also earn 10‑22 days of vacation depending on years of service, up to 12 sick leave days (pro‑rated for part‑time), and 20 paid holidays.