Classified, 75% Time, Program Specialist 2 - Workforce Funding & Financial Aid

About The College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree granting institution with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 7,604 students annually on its beautiful 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Washington.

WCC offers transfer degrees, applied baccalaureate degrees, professional and technical training programs, basic education, job skills, and community and continuing education classes. Programs and courses are offered through in-person, hybrid, and online modalities to promote access for a diverse student population.

The College is committed to equal opportunity and believes diversity of experiences and cultures enrich our campus community. The College is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For more information about WCC, please visit www.whatcom.edu

About Our Community

The campus is located in Bellingham (population 95,960). Bellingham showcases a strong commitment to education and is regularly rated on "best of the Northwest" lists. Bellingham is midway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

The city is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population 226,850), which is home to a thriving network of farms and scenic wilderness. As you explore our community, you'll discover historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands and mountain towns all within a few dozen miles of each other. Bellingham and Whatcom County are known for their outdoor activities. Whether your idea of fun is visiting galleries, watching live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or unwinding with a good book, you'll love Bellingham and Whatcom County. To learn more about Bellingham, please visit: http://www.bellingham.org

General Description of Work

Position Title: 75% Time, Program Specialist 2 - Workforce Funding & Financial Aid
Classification: WFSE Classified, Class Code 107I
FTE: 0.75 FTE
Schedule: 30 hours/week, within Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.
FLSA Status: Overtime Eligible

Job Summary

The Workforce Funding/Financial Aid Program Specialist 2 performs program support work under general supervision, applying knowledge of financial aid programs, state and federal grants, and workforce funding sources. The position independently processes and monitors funding, interprets and applies policies and regulations, and ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.

Welcoming and Assisting

This position provides guidance to students, staff, and program participants on eligibility, application processes, and program requirements. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records and spreadsheets, protecting confidential student information, and supporting daily operations of Workforce Funding and Financial Aid programs.

Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship

This position reports to the Associate Director of Workforce.

Responsibilities

• Captures and maintains student information systems and records, ensuring accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with program, reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains and updates Workforce Funding digital platforms, including Canvas and web-based resources, to ensure accurate, accessible, and current program information.
• Coordinates outreach, engagement, and program operations activities, including student surveys, campaigns, scheduling processes, and related communications.
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports program data from multiple systems to support evaluation, decision-making, and compliance reporting.
• Provides guidance to students on completing the FAFSA/WASFA and submitting required documentation; explains financial aid, grant, and scholarship processes and requirements.
• Interprets and applies financial aid and workforce funding policies to support eligibility determination, file review, and program compliance.
• Monitors student eligibility, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and funding compliance using reports and queries; identify and resolve routine discrepancies.
• Supports alignment of academic programs with funding requirements and assists students in maintaining eligibility for financial aid and workforce funding.
• Provides direct guidance, coaching, and technical assistance to students regarding program eligibility, funding interpretation, WCC systems, and resource navigation.
• Maintains and updates student employment resources, including the job board, to support participant engagement and outcomes.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for the Workforce Funding program, responding to inquiries and coordinating services with students, staff, and external partners.
• Delivers presentations and program information at New Student Orientations and other outreach or engagement events.
• Coordinates with Workforce Funding staff to ensure consistent application of policies and alignment of program practices and information.
• Provides daily administrative and operational support for program functions, students, and staff.
• Supports Work Study student employees, including assigning tasks and monitoring work performance.
• Ensures compliance with ADA documentation and accessibility standards across program materials and systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs, including FAFSA/WASFA, grants, and workforce funding sources, and related rules, regulations, and compliance requirements governing program administration.
• Knowledge of eligibility requirements, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, and documentation and recordkeeping requirements for workforce funding programs.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and communicating policies and procedures to ensure consistent, compliant, and equitable program operations.
• Skill in maintaining, managing, and ensuring the integrity of complex data systems, databases, and records across multiple platforms, including spreadsheets and reporting tools.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret program data and reports to monitor eligibility, identify discrepancies, ensure compliance, and support program decision-making.
• Ability to provide clear, accurate, and professional communication to students, staff, and external stakeholders regarding financial aid, workforce funding, eligibility, and program processes.
• Ability to coordinate multiple program activities and priorities independently while also collaborating with internal and external partners in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
• Ability to support program operations through problem-solving, issue resolution, and application of established policies to routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, staff, and the public regarding complex financial aid and funding information.

Working Conditions/Environment

• Work Setting: Work primarily performed in indoor office setting/work station. Navigate across campus to other buildings as needed for meetings and to provide student assistance.
• Tools and Equipment: Standard office equipment required
• Frequent interaction with applicants, employees, interviewees, and the public as the office is open during business hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree with focus on business, human services, or related field.
• One year of experience providing program, financial aid, workforce funding, or student services support.
• OR
• Equivalent combination education and experience sufficient for the person to perform the duties.
• AND
• Experience providing customer service in an educational, financial aid, or social services environment.
• Experience using computerized systems and software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, and document management tools) to maintain records and track program data.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities that support effective communication with diverse student populations.
• Experience working in a community or technical college environment.
• Experience in financial aid administration within higher education, including familiarity with federal and state aid programs.
• Experience supporting workforce funding programs or grant-funded student support services.
• Experience using student information systems (e.g., ctcLink/PeopleSoft) or similar databases to manage records and track program data.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review.
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions may be required.

Salary

This is a 75% time, grant funded, classified, WFSE (Washington Federation of State Employees) represented position. Salary is Range 42, starting at Step C, $2,943.75 per month which is 75% of the full-time amount of $3,925.00 with periodic increments to $3,661.50 per month, which is 75% of the full-time amount of $4,882.00. Position renewal is contingent upon the continuation of grant funding.

Benefits Package

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
• Accrues 75% of 8 hours per month of sick leave and 75% of 11.33 hours per month vacation leave with periodic vacation accrual increases based on longevity.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• 1 personal holiday annually after 4 months of continuous employment.
• 3 personal leave days annually after 4 months of continuous employment.
• *Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:
• - Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• - Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
• - Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.

Start Date

As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of