Financial Aid Technician (IN-HOUSE ONLY)

Coast Community College District; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange Coast College, a member of the Coast Community College District, is seeking a Financial Aid Technician to support the Office of Student Equity and Financial Aid Department. The role involves processing financial aid information, assisting students with applications, and conveying program requirements.

The position is on-campus, full-time, with responsibilities including student counseling support and collaboration with campus services to ensure accurate award processing.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; two years of related work experience preferred.
• Experience with FAFSA applications and financial aid processes is advantageous.
• Ability to use basic office software and student information databases.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first point of contact for students and the public.
• Explain eligibility requirements and program options for financial aid.
• Assist with FAFSA applications and processing procedures.
• Prepare routine correspondence and maintain records.
• Support counselors and flow of information within the department.

Skills

Communication

Math skills

English proficiency

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Student information systems

Job description

ON-CAMPUS - in-person position

IN-HOUSE ONLY: This position is open to internal permanent and temporary Coast Community College District (CCCD) employees to apply. External candidates are not eligible to apply. If you are not a current active employee with CCCD, please do not apply at this time.

Orange Coast College (OCC) is seeking equity‑minded individuals for a classified employee role as a Financial Aid Technician under the Student Services Wing, as part of the Financial Aid Department.

THE 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 17,859 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 38% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African‑American, 23% are Asian, less than 1% are Native American, 29% 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

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 our 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 have a strong focus and importance on building an inclusive culture and atmosphere of belonging. We will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating for this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Page
• Orange Coast College - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Plan

Summary

Performs specialized clerical and technical duties related to processing and storing information for student grant and other financial aid programs. Maintains student financial obligation records. Provides technical assistance and information to students, staff, and the public.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Financial Aid Technician is the second level in a multi‑tiered career path for financial aid transaction processing. Advancement to Technician requires two or more years in the capacity of a Financial Aid Assistant and the ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of loan and grant programs, to determine eligibility and loan amounts, and to resolve application discrepancies. Advancement to Specialist is based on need and requires three years as a Technician, advanced knowledge of financial aid programs, the ability to update financial aid tables used in student information systems, and the ability to package financial aid applications and awards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as first point of contact for the office on phones and at front counter. Disseminates general financial aid information to students and the public.
• Explains the approved eligibility, requirements for program qualification and compliance, and program options so that students make informed decisions about their obligations.
• Instructs students in correct procedures for completion of forms and applications, special requirements and restrictions, and supporting documentation such as tax returns, income and housing verifications, and transcripts. Reviews completed forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Assists students and parents with FAFSA financial aid applications, processing procedures, and interpreting policies of the funding organizations. Explains the different types of financial aid programs, including obligations and payment schedules.
• Performs basic troubleshooting of problems associated with financial aid accounts, student status, and computer‑aided files.
• Prepare standardized correspondence for/to students, verifying status and other information.
• Performs miscellaneous clerical duties for the office such as updating policy and procedure manuals and award tables, editing student files, replenishing forms and communication devices, collecting data for reports, and preparing general correspondence.
• Assists students to understand the relationship between financial aid awards and course load, grades, and other student achievement factors.
• Sets up appointments for financial aid counseling with Specialists. Conducts financial aid presentation and participates in outreach activities both on and off campus.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
• Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Knowledge and Skills

• Requires a working knowledge of the policies and procedures associated with federal, state, and local financial aid programs including grants and waivers.
• Requires a working knowledge of federal and institutional satisfactory academic progress policies.
• Requires a working knowledge of regulations and institutional policies relevant to admissions, registration, accounts payable, and financial aid practices.
• Requires knowledge of and skills with routine office policies, procedures and equipment, including PCs and applicable student information databases, word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Requires sufficient English language skills to prepare routine correspondence.
• Requires sufficient human relation skills to provide general information to student‑customers, exercise patience when dealing with students, resolve confrontations, and convey a positive image of the college.
• Requires sufficient math skills to compute principal, interest, sums, percentages, and ratios.

Abilities

• Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
• Requires the ability to perform all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively.
• Requires the ability to perform financial record keeping, data entry, file maintenance, and report writing duties.
• Requires the ability to communicate program elements and requirements with students, faculty and outside agencies/customers.
• Requires the ability to instruct students on the financial aid application process and to resolve conflict.
• Ability to perform data entry onto an automated information system.
• May require the ability to perform assignments on varying work schedules.

Physical Abilities

• The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
• Essential functions will vary by position.
• As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), the District shall engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Education and Experience

The position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and two years of related work experience such as in customer service, student admissions, financial aid, or basic accounting. Additional higher education may substitute for some experience. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid driver license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

Note: D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti‑Racism

The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti‑racism. The Coast Community College District 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 have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti‑Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA at this time.

(ON-CAMPUS - in-person position)

This is a permanent, categorically funded, full‑time, 40 hours/week, 12‑months per year classified position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Tuesday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wednesday‑Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and/or weekends, if necessary, to meet the department's needs. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee.

Salary Schedule: EE-115

Please note that job offers are conditional and are contingent upon the successful completion of a satisfactory comprehensive background check (including Livescan fingerprinting), satisfactory references, and approval or ratification by the District's Board of Trustees or the Chancellor.

• 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.

Pay Philosophy

Through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, Coast Community College District delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur on July 1 of each year for all Educational Administrator employees.

Application Requirements

A complete application includes: Documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered.

Reasonable Accommodations

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

Selection Procedure

• All online applications received by the application deadline will be screened to determine which applicants meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.
• Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit separate application materials for each desired position.
• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest committee evaluation will be invited to an interview.
• If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense.
• During the interview, candidates may be asked to conduct a short oral demonstration/presentation on a previously announced topic as well as participate in a writing exercise or a hands‑on practical.
• Consideration will also be given to factors in addition to education and experience, including but not limited to professional development, ability to work with others, and commitment to meet student needs.
• The search committee will rate the candidate's responses to the interview questions, the demonstration/presentation, and the applicable writing exercises and/or hands‑on practicals. Based on this rating, several candidates will be recommended to move forward and will be invited for a second‑level interview.
• The hiring manager will conduct reference checks on the final candidate. The district reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews.
• The campus President will make the final recommendation for employment to the Board of Trustees.
• The start date will be determined based on the needs of the campus and the conditions of employment as posted in the job announcement/recruitment.
• Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College's recommendation for employment.
• The District reserves the right to extend the deadline, re‑advertise the position, or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve.

Employment Information

• To be considered in the initial committee review, all materials requested in this vacancy notice must be received no later than the filing deadline. Submission of all application materials is the responsibility of the applicant.
• Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College’s recommendation for employment.
• The District reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews. The District reserves the right to extend the deadline, re‑advertise the position, or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve. The College does not return materials submitted in the application for a position.

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 NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

The 2026 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report provides the crime statistics for calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025, which were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be obtained from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions.

Title IX & Sex Discrimination