Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Olympic College

  • Bremerton, WA
  • $52,743-56,699 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
DescriptionFinancial Aid Outreach SpecialistSalary: $52,743 - $56,699Classification: Administrative/ExemptReports to: Assistant Director of Financial Aid OutreachThis position is responsible for making significant contact with high school students and their families to increase financial aid completion rates and provide information on how to access private scholarships. The outreach specialist conducts other outreach as appropriate, including virtual or in-person presentations with students and families, communications regarding financial aid in schools and on social media, and support for college and career-related events in school and community settings. In partnership with college/career staff and counselors, this position manages a caseload of students in local high schools, using multi-tiered supports and research-based strategies, to augment college/career pathway guidance with college affordability information and cost-benefit analysis of postsecondary education and career pathways.Essential Functions
  • Independently advise students and families, consult with co-workers, K-12, and community partners, other OC departments, and other institutions of higher education about financial aid processes, policies, and procedures.
  • Assist high school students and their families, and recent high school graduates with FAFSA/WAFSA completion.
  • Convey clear, concise, and factual financial aid messaging to all stakeholders.
  • Interpret and communicate complex financial aid, waiver, and scholarship information in easy-to-understand language to high school students and their families.
  • Lead financial aid outreach and college affordability programming in collaboration with staff at Olympic College, Kitsap Strong, other community-based organizations, and assigned high schools.
  • Partner with college staff, high school staff, and community-based organizations on outreach efforts targeting high school seniors, including working at multiple sites with multiple policies, procedures, and organizational cultures.
  • Partner with high school staff and use the WSAC FAFSA Portal to identify students who need additional support to complete their financial aid application and/or transition to postsecondary education.
  • Coordinate and/or support virtual and in-person financial aid-related events hosted by high school and community-based partners.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of a financial aid outreach plan to promote state and federal financial aid and private scholarships throughout Olympic Educational Service District 114, with special focus on outreach in high schools in Kitsap and Mason counties.
  • Use various communication strategies including text, email, social media, school announcements, family bulletins, phone, and newsletters to reach students and their guardians needing to complete the FAFSA or WASFA application.
  • Track student progress, collect, analyze, and report on data related to student outreach, financial aid progress, and Financial Aid completion.
  • Participate in the development of program priorities as a member of the K-12 Partnerships Department, including but not limited to developing and maintaining programming to build campus and community involvement between the high schools and Olympic College.
  • Contribute to program development, strategic planning, goal setting, and workplans in collaboration with the Financial Aid Outreach team, Outreach Department, K-12 Partnerships, Student Services & Student Affairs divisions through regular attendance at weekly and monthly meetings in-person or online.
  • Track student progress toward FAFSA/WAFSA completion and milestone achievement.
  • Enter, clean, and maintain case management data regarding interactions with students and families related to the completion of a FAFSA or WASFA.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required to perform the duties and task of this position:
  • Engage in self-reflection and professional development toward career progression.
  • Demonstrate excellent, proactive customer service skills including active listening, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and personal management of stress.
  • Understand the needs of the community college and high school students.
  • Perform other related duties as required.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
  • 2 years relevant work experience
  • Demonstrated ability navigating K-12 education systems
  • Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines while being attentive to details
  • Demonstrated experience with working effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds, such a racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic, and with diverse physical and learning disabilities
  • Proven highly motivated, self-starter, flexible and adaptable
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Familiarity and proficiency with various technologies, including but not limited to student database systems, customer relationship management software and student success technologies
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Experience using databases and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
  • Proficiency with MS Office 365 applications
  • Experience with FAFSA and WASFA filing assistance
  • Two years' experience or equivalent in secondary education, a college access organization, or related experience supporting students' transition from high school to postsecondary education
  • Demonstrated knowledge of college access strategies for underserved students including low-income, first-generation, students of color, and students whose primary language is not English
Additional InformationKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Understand the needs of the community college and high school students.
  • Understand complex oral and written instructions.
  • Display strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Independently prioritize and organize assigned work.
  • Function as a team player.
  • Contribute to a positive and effective work environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently, read, understand and interpret policies and procedures.
  • Meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Foster a climate of understanding and appreciation for diversity. Ability to interact successfully with individuals and groups representing a wide range of diverse cultural, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the Olympic College mission, vision and values.
Terms of EmploymentThis is a full-time exempt position scheduled to work Monday through Friday. The salary for this position is $52,743 annually, which includes a generous benefits package that includes the following.Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, SBRP retirement plan administered by TIAA, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, 11 paid holidays, leave - vacation/sick/personal holiday, Aflac, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration on-site child care on a space available.For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.Conditions of EmploymentPrior 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 be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327.Olympic College seeks candidates for employment who share our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment (read our). All applicants are required tosubmit a statement of 500 words or less, describing the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education environment and their prior, current, and/or potential contribution(s) to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as an employee.How To ApplyTo be considered for this position a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:Olympic College Online ApplicationResumeCover Letter - in your cover letter describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.Unofficial college transcripts. Official transcripts and copies of mandated certifications will be required of the successful candidate.EEO StatementOlympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Olympic College Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and accommodation policies: HRticket@olympic.edu or 360-475-7300. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Olympic College Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and accommodation policies: Carroll McWhorter, 360-475-7301. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Olympic College provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and accommodation policies:. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.Benefits include vacation, sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

Olympic College