Job Details

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number: 7141447
Location: Bend, OR
Position Type: Financial Aid

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number: B1228PD
Starting Wage/Salary: $22.73 - $24.12/hour plus exceptional benefits. Wage placement is dependent on qualifications and pay equity.
Close Date: 05/27/2026

Primary Purpose:

The Financial Aid Specialist supports students by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of federal and state funding programs and providing high-quality customer service. This position guides students through the financial aid process, including application and file review, and eligibility determination. The specialist also assists with various aid programs and processing of the Degree Partnership Program to support student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Processing Specialist:

Serve as a key member of the Student Financial Aid team, supporting the Colleges mission, vision, values, and commitment to excellence in student services.
Participate in continuous improvement by giving and receiving timely, constructive feedback; adjusting workflow and tasks to support team needs.
Use college, state, and federal systems/portals to manage financial aid workflows, including processing for the Degree Partnership Program and consortium agreements.
Assist in administering state aid programs, including applying funds, tracking, reporting, and reconciliation.
Assist with file review
Perform weekly data checks to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Customer Service Specialist:

Respond to student and parent questions via phone, email and in-person interactions.
Clearly communicate financial aid processes and information to prospective and current students, as well as faculty and staff.
Advise students on financial aid application procedures, eligibility requirements, and available resources.
Monitor department emails; track, prioritize, and respond to messages in a timely manner. Forward information for follow-up by other staff members if necessary.
Identify opportunities for improving customer service and recommend process or program enhancements to support compliance and high-quality customer service.
Share program information and resources with faculty, staff, and community partners.
Serve on college committees and task forces as assigned.
Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The incumbent is expected to follow College work rules and policies.

Ability to be familiar with internal department processes so that if necessary, can serve as backup personnel for processing student files.
Ability to handle production projects, problem research and file processing while dealing with continual interruptions from counter traffic and phone calls.
Ability to use good listening skills to communicate with students in response to a variety of questions i.e., Satisfactory Academic Policy, reasons for financial aid not being ready, amount available to borrow, ramifications of dropping classes, etc.
Ability/skills to competently advise and/or serve students from a variety of backgrounds, respecting cultural and socio-economic differences.
Ability to determine timelines for format/design, production and sending of student communications.
Ability to understand and effectively use administrative software system (Banner) to accomplish job functions.
Ability to work well in teams and with customers.
Ability to understand and use software to create work applications and reports.
Ability to work accurately and in detail.
Ability to understand and apply basic account balancing concepts.
Ability to understand all internal policies and stay current with financial aid regulatory changes by monitoring professional websites and attending seminars as required.
Ability to use a variety of office equipment, such as but not limited to a fax machine, photocopier, computer, multi-line telephone, and folding machine.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
Ability to demonstrate essential job functions outlined above.
Ability to work cooperatively with and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

Associates degree or completion of equivalent college-level coursework.

Experience:

Two years experience in a high volume, service-oriented environment using multi-phone lines and providing customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors degree.
Experience with Ellucian Banner software.
Experience working in community colleges, school districts, or public entities.

To apply, visit https://jobs.cocc.edu/postings/11953

The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.

In support of COCCs EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.