Financial Aid Outreach Navigator

Description

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Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Salary: $56,699 \- $60,952Classification: AdministrativeReports to: Assistant Director of Financial Aid Outreach

This 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

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• 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.
• Provide individual financial aid advising/counseling virtually and in person to high school students and their families, related to the full process of applying for, accepting, and utilizing financial aid and scholarships.
• Monitor student progress toward FAFSA/WAFSA completion and milestone achievement, making appropriate referrals for additional student support as needed.
• Serve as point of contact for questions from students, parents, high school staff, and college staff about the financial aid process, the Financial Aid Outreach HB1835 pilot program, and Olympic College entry points.
• 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. Collaborate with college, K\-12, and community\-based partners to build positive relationships and facilitate financial aid outreach activities tailored to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Facilitate activities, information sessions, and interventions aimed at increasing FAFSA/WASFA completion.
• Coordinate virtual and in\-person financial aid\-related events hosted by high school and community\-based partners.
• Maintain up\-to\-date knowledge of federal and state regulations for federal and state financial aid.
• Monitor student progress and gather data to analyze identify trends in student outreach, financial aid progress, and financial aid completion and present findings to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Outreach and other Financial Aid Outreach team members.
• Develop documents and forms needed for the Financial Aid Outreach program, in collaboration with Olympic College and partner high schools.
• Maintain case management data regarding interactions with students and families related to the completion of a FAFSA or WASFA.
• Maintain event data regarding attendance, participant information and high school enrollment.
• Maintain internal records regarding FAFSA completion rates to date for assigned high schools and key populations.

Qualifications

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Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability navigating K\-12 education systems
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficient customer service skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, read, understand, and interpret policies and procedures.

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 Information

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Terms of Employment

Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

This is a full\-time exempt position scheduled to work Monday through Friday. The salary for this position is $56,699 \- $60,952 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 Employment

• 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 be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327\.
• The employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of the campus to respond to workplace reporting requirements at the time of hiring. Frequent travel to Olympic College campuses or other sites may occur.

How To Apply

To be considered for this position a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:

• Olympic College Online Application
• Resume
• Cover 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 Statement

Olympic College values equity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment include but not limited to unwelcome sexual conduct. 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 persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non\-discrimination policies: Erin Pohl, Title VII and Title IX, building 5, room 528A, 360\-475\-7303\. Olympic College is a smoke\-free/drug\-free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.

Olympic College

Human Resources

1600 Chester Ave Bldg. 5 – 5th Floor

Bremerton, WA 98337

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/olympic