FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST I

Sjeccd; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,242 - 74,835; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits fully paid

Pension contributions

Paid holidays

Job summary

Sjeccd is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist I responsible for assisting students in applying for financial aid at Evergreen Valley College. This role involves interviewing students, assessing financial needs, and providing information on work-study, loans, grants, and scholarships.

Salary ranges from $61,242 to $74,835 annually, along with comprehensive health benefits, pension contributions, and paid holidays. Applicants should have a high school diploma and clerical experience in a services-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of financial aid programs regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in financial record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in applying for financial aid programs.
• Verify application information and supporting documentation.
• Explain regulations and policies regarding financial aid programs.

Skills

Knowledge of Federal, State and local student financial aid programs regulations

Financial problems encountered by college students

Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques

Oral and written communication skills

Education

High school diploma supplemented by college course work

Two years of clerical experience involving financial record-keeping

Job description

Salary Range $61,242 - $74,835 Annual Salary (Range 66: Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2025-2026). Starting placement is generally at Step 1.

Benefits Summary: In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for the choice of one of the District’s excellent Health Benefits and Welfare plans, which the premium cost is 100% paid by the District for the employee and their eligible dependents, and one health plan costing an estimated $60,000 for the District for fiscal year 2025-2026. We offer two medical plans (Anthem Blue Cross PPO and Kaiser Permanente HMO); dental (Delta Dental PPO); vision (VSP Choice); life insurance for the employee (The Lincoln); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Lincoln); a long‑term disability/income protection plan (The Lincoln); and an employee assistance plan (Anthem EAP). In addition, the District contributes an additional 26.81% of the employee’s salary towards an eligible employee’s pension (CalPERS). Employees may also elect to participate in optional plans including purchasing additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependent(s); enrolling in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and setting pre‑taxed dollars aside to supplement their pension in a 403b (tax shelter annuity) and/or a 457 (deferred compensation) plan(s). Classified employees also earn 10 to 22 days per year of vacation (based on years of service), and up to 12 sick leave days (pro‑rated for less than full‑time positions). There are currently 20 paid holidays.

Position Description

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 Financial Aid Specialist I position is grant funded and contingent upon yearly funding. This position is represented by CSEA (California School Employees Association), Chapter 363.

Position Summary

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.

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 performs a variety of tasks involved in assisting students who apply for financial aid. Incumbents typically assist students at the counter or by phone in applying for various financial aid programs and assist other Specialists while learning financial aid programs. This differs from the Financial Aid Specialist II in that the latter 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 students in completing financial aid applications.
2. Verify application information and supporting documentation using predetermined methods; identify financial need as required; assure completeness of documents at counter.
3. Explain Federal, State and District regulations, requirements, policies and procedures with regard 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; may 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 Ability to:

• 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 course work 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

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

For positions that require a degree or coursework: Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post‑Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. All degrees and credits earned outside of the United States must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course) of the transcripts and must be submitted with the application. Degrees earned outside of the U.S. without a U.S. credential evaluation attached, will not be considered.

Environment

• Typical office environment.
• Constant interruptions.

Physical Demands

• Sitting and operating a keyboard to enter data into a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Moderate lifting.
• Bending.
• Reaching to retrieve and file records.

About San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

The District is represented by dedicated and talented employees who are passionate about providing our student population with the best educational experience possible. The District recognizes that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive roles models for all students, and creates an inclusive and supportive educational and work environment for its employees, students, and the community it serves. As of Fall 2025, with enrollment of approximately 15,661 students per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 48.9%, Black/African-American 3.4%, Asian/Pacific Islander 31.8%, American Indian/Native American 0.3%, White/Caucasian 9.1%, Multi-race 3.6% and Unknown 3.0%) attaining educational goals reflecting 56% – Transfer to a 4‑Year College/ University, the District’s emphasis on student success makes it a recognized educational leader in the State.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

San José-Evergreen Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.