Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Coaching Specialist

Southern Arkansas University; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, retirement

Paid sick & vacation leave

Tuition waivers

PEBB Wellness Plan

EAP program

Job summary

North Seattle College is seeking a Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Coaching Specialist to help deliver equitable financial aid services. The role focuses on coaching students through the aid process, coordinating workforce funds, and ensuring compliance across programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's or an equivalent Associate's with experience, strong communication, and the ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment. The role is governed by WFSE and offers strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution or an Associate's Degree with at least 2 years of higher education experience.
• Two years of full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, working in a Student Service Office at a college or university.
• Experience and ability to work in accordance with policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, and troubleshooting basic computer issues.
• Commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of removing barriers for historically marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by advocating for historically marginalized students and supporting policy and practice improvements.
• Coordinate disbursement of workforce program funds (Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, BFET, Opportunity Grant) totaling over $1.5 million annually.
• Manage financial aid application processes and requirements for Workforce Education students.
• Develop and implement procedures, policies, and quality assurance practices.
• Reconcile assigned program budgets and student-level expenditures monthly across multiple systems.
• Interpret and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Crosstrain staff and develop reports, training materials, and documentation.
• Advise students, faculty, staff, and the public on financial aid and program policies.
• Prepare documentation for state and federal audits.
• Participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and outreach events.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Collaborative teamwork

Data entry

Web applications

Troubleshooting basic computer issues

Diversity commitment

Education

Bachelor's Degree from accredited institution

Associate's Degree with at least 2 years of higher education experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Coaching Specialist

North Seattle College is looking to hire a Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Coaching Specialist.

Salary Range for this position is $61,512 - $82,860 annually (DOE)

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Office at North Seattle College is committed to delivering high-quality, student-centered service in an environment grounded in equity, justice, and cultural humility. Our team works to reduce financial barriers and provide accurate, compassionate support so students can achieve their educational goals while ensuring equitable outcomes for our diverse community.

Financial Aid Coaches provide coaching and guidance throughout the financial aid process, support students in workforce and worker retraining pathways, and assist with BFET awarding and reconciliation. We seek candidates who are committed to equity and inclusion and who will contribute to a welcoming and supportive experience for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College, and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying.

• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What you will be working on:

Job Functions - Program Specialization

• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by advocating for historically marginalized students and supporting policy and practice improvements
• Coordinate disbursement of workforce program funds (Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, BFET, Opportunity Grant) totaling over $1.5 million annually
• Manage financial aid application processes and requirements for Workforce Education students
• Assist in developing and implementing procedures, policies, and quality assurance practices
• Reconcile assigned program budgets and student-level expenditures monthly across multiple systems
• Interpret and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Crosstrain staff and develop reports, training materials, and documentation
• Advise students, faculty, staff, and the public on financial aid and program policies
• Prepare documentation for state and federal audits
• Participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and outreach events

Job Functions - Coaching & Outreach

• Provide student-centered coaching to support belonging and success, particularly for traditionally marginalized populations
• Advise students on admissions, financial aid applications, funding programs, placement options, and enrollment steps
• Provide individualized problem-solving to support completion of applications and funding requirements
• Track and monitor student progress toward enrollment milestones and deadlines
• Deliver workshops, orientations, and presentations for students, families, high schools, and community partners
• Serve as an advocate for students navigating college systems and funding processes
• Provide services via in-person, virtual, phone, and email modalities
• Perform other related duties as assigned in a collaborative team environment

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

What you bring as a candidate:

• Bachelor¿s Degree from accredited institution, any discipline; or Associate's Degree with at least 2 years of experience in higher education
• Two (2) years of full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, working in a Student Service Office at a College or University
• Experience and ability to work in accordance with policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate skills in Microsoft Office, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, and troubleshooting basic computer issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students.

Demonstrated Ability To:

• Understand and interpret detailed information and trouble shoot and problem solve academic and systems issues, with attention to detail.
• Understand, interpret and apply complex federal regulations, and conduct research
• Evaluate individual staff members need for training
• Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative
• Provide positive and constructive feedback to staff
• Communicate clearly, collaboratively, and consistently
• Meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work
• Work evenings and weekends

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Physical Requirements

• Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
• Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
• It’s regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have the ability to perform range of physical motions, exerting up to 25 pounds; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.