FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST II

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid holidays

Vacation leave 10–22 days

Job summary

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District seeks a Financial Aid Specialist II at Evergreen Valley College. The role handles federal, state, and district financial aid programs, reviews applications for need and eligibility, and coordinates packaging of aid with staff.

The position is 12 months per year, 40 hours weekly, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and is grant funded contingent on yearly funding. It supports student access and success in a diverse community.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school with college coursework in business, accounting, social services or related field.
• Three years of experience involving financial record-keeping and public contact, including at least two years in financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Review applications to determine need and eligibility for federal/state/district programs.
• Process student files and enter data into the system.
• Prepare federal/state reports to initiate funding levels for aid programs.
• Counsel students/parents on education costs and eligibility requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable financial aid regulations and procedures.

Skills

Needs analysis

Financial aid processing

Interpersonal skills

Counseling

Data entry accuracy

Education

High school diploma with college coursework in business, accounting, social services or related field

Tools

Financial aid software

Job description

Salary Range $71,148 - $86,672 Annual Salary (Range 76: Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-2027). 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); enroll in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and set 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

POSITION SUMMARY
The Financial Aid Specialist II reports to the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs at Evergreen Valley College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; 40 hours per week; Monday to Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Financial Aid Specialist II position is grant funded and contingent upon yearly funding.
This position is represented by CSEA (California School Employees Association), Chapter 363.

POSITION PURPOSE
Under the direction of a Financial Aid Officer, perform one or more highly specialized functions involving computerized financial aid records or overall coordination of a designated program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
In addition to having knowledge of all aspects of application processing and related procedures done at the Financial Aid Specialist I level, the Financial Aid Specialist II serves in a specialized capacity for computer systems and/or responsibility for a specific financial aid program such as FWS or PELL Reporting. This level differs from the Financial Aid Specialist III in that the latter serves in a lead capacity in the office, oversees the other specialists in the absence of the Financial Aid Officer, performs final review of applications and supporting documentation, packages financial aid awards, and exercises professional judgment on individual circumstances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Review applications and required documentation to determine financial need and program eligibility for a variety of Federal, State and District programs.
2. Perform technical duties related to departmental computer systems; implement, test and debug program changes; assist in determining packaging parameters; manage electronic data exchange process required for transmission of data; process student files.
3. Participate in the file packaging process and the process involved in one or more assigned specific programs such as work study, grants, scholarships and others as assigned.
4. Prepare Federal and State reports which initiates funding levels for financial aid programs; assist Financial Aid Specialists III as needed.
5. Provide second verification of application information and supporting documentation; make corrections appropriately.
6. Interview and counsel students and parents concerning budget cost of education, applications and eligibility; interpret and explain Federal, State and District regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.
7. Perform needs analysis and assist in packaging students for financial aid programs; enter and revise data in the computer; generate, file and distribute award letters and related documents.
8. Maintain current knowledge of State and Federal financial aid programs; attend meetings, workshops and conferences regarding changes in eligibility requirements, application procedures and other issues.
9. Complete documents/information requested from outside agencies and other institutions.
10. Communicate with various District departments and personnel, governmental and private agencies, other colleges, financial institutions and the public.
11. Prepare and maintain a variety of records, files and reports related to financial aid activities; compile and maintain statistical data for inclusion in State and Federal reports.
12. Operate a variety of office equipment and machines including computers, peripheral equipment, calculators and copiers.
13. Perform other duties reasonably related to the job classification.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
1. Rules, regulations, procedures, policies and function of Federal, State and District financial aid programs.
2. Methods and techniques of financial aid need analysis.
3. Financial aid packaging methods and procedures.
4. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
5. Interviewing and counseling techniques.
6. Personal and financial problems encountered by college students and parents.
7. Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques.
8. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
9. College and community resources for students.
10. Computer software used for financial aid processing.
Skills and Ability to:
1. Work with students/parents from a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
2. Determine eligibility for financial aid through needs analysis.
3. Assist in the development of financial aid packages to meet financial need.
4. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
5. Exercise sound judgment in reviewing and evaluating student financial aid applications.
6. Interpret financial statements, income tax forms and related documents.
7. Utilize computer software for extensive reporting, tracking and analysis.
8. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
9. Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
10. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
11. Maintain records and prepare reports.
12. Plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.
13. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
14. Interview and advise students.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
1. Graduation from high school supplemented by college course work in business, accounting, social services or related field.
2. Three years of increasingly responsible experience involving financial record-keeping and public contact in a social services related field, including at least two years of financial aid experience.

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

1. Typical office environment.
2. Constant interruptions.

Physical Demands

1. Sitting and operating a keyboard to enter data into a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
2. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
3. Moderate lifting.
4. Bending.
5. 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.
The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve as colleagues to an existing diverse classified staff consisting of 43.4% Latinx, 27.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.0% Black/African American, 0.3% American Indian/Native American, 19.5% White/Caucasian, 5.6% Unknown and as well as encouraging applications from all qualified, outstanding applicants.

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.

CONTACT :

Employment Services,
Human Resources, SJECCD
40 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Employment Website: https://sjeccd.peopleadmin.com
District Website: www.sjeccd.edu