Position Title: Financial Aid Program Specialist II
Location: Bellingham, WA
Salary: $60,648.00 Annually
Department: Student Financial Resources
Category: Financial Aid & Services
Job Type: Full-Time Classified
Job Number: 6
DESCRIPTION Description The Program Specialist II plays a key role in keeping vital college programs running smoothly in the financial aid department. If you are a detail-driven professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, this role blends problem-solving, coordination, and meaningful impact on student success and would be a great fit for you.Salary:
Starting salary is $5,054 per month which is based on $60,648; $29.04 per hour.
Position Duties & Responsibilities Under general supervision, plan, organize, direct and coordinate operations for various financial aid programs. The Program Specialist will serve as the loan coordinator for both the Federal Direct Student Loan program and Private loans and will manage reporting and reconciliation of the Washington State aid programs. They will oversee day-to-day program operations, function as the program representative and resource, and resolve problems within a delegated area of authority. This position blends the utilization of higher-level technical skills while exercising independent judgement in applying financial aid regulations and determining student eligibility.Independently manage the Federal Direct Student Loan program, including determining eligibility and annual limits, processing Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note files, loan proration, and required monthly reconciliationCoordinate student loan default prevention activities, including working with external partners, student outreach, and communication campaigns Perform quarterly reporting and reconciliation of state aid including Washington College Grant (WCG) and College Bound Scholarship (CBS), complete all quarterly interim reports and may assist Executive Director with annual Unit Record ReportingDetermine eligibility for WCG-Connect, WCG Bachelor's level grant amounts, and will assist in supporting WCG-Apprenticeship implementation and awardingMake award determinations that fit within each student's cost of attendance, ensuring that financial need is met and not exceededEnsure compliance with Title IV, State, and Institutional regulations and policies related to financial aid programs and decision makingUse advanced functionality within ctcLink (PeopleSoft) and authorized external systems including navigating multiple system pages, running queries, uploading and downloading files, extracting data, and maintaining accurate program recordsIndividually manage and keep a schedule to stay on track with weekly, monthly, and quarterly program required tasks and deadlinesRun quarterly Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process and notify students of their statusProvide accurate information and advice to students, staff, and the public regarding financial aid programs, policies, and proceduresMaintain auditable records for all managed programs and assist in completing state and federal reports accurately and timelyCollaborate with the Finance department to reconcile, close out, and resolve discrepancies in program accounts annuallyIndependently problem-solve and troubleshoot system errors using program handbooks, system business processing guides, and internal policy and proceduresInterpret and analyze data across multiple systems to make informed decisions in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies, including approved overrides and exceptionsMaintain and develop procedures for continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and use of technology related to overseen programs to better serve students and staffUse word processing, graphics, statistical, spreadsheet, and/or database softwarePerform Excel processing tasks such as merging and sorting with spreadsheet and database filesActively seek out and participate in federal and state provided training and policy updatesOther duties as assigned
Qualifications Required Skills/Abilities: Excellent customer service and strong interpersonal skills Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholders Excellent organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlinesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environmentProficient with Microsoft Office Suite, general office equipment and related softwareMinimum Qualifications: Contingent upon successfully completing a job-related background check in accordance with Washington State lawAssociates degree Three years of relevant work experience providing financial assistance services OrEquivalent education and experiencePreferred Qualifications: Experience in awarding financial aid, funds management, and reporting Experience working in a community/technical college or other higher education settingExperience with State and Federal financial aid program regulations Physical Work Environment: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Varying from 4-7 hours per day Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
Supplemental Information Compensation, Work Schedule and Benefits:
Starting salary is $5,054 per month which is based on $60,648; $29.04 per hour.
Work schedule: This position's hours will vary based on 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A regular schedule will be finalized upon hire based. Candidate must be willing and able to work on-site; some hybrid work may be available.
Benefits: Bargaining Unit: The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Support Team (BEST). Benefits are subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position will receive prorated leave based on the BEST CBA:8 hours per month of sick leave 10.67 starting at hours per month of vacation leave24 hours of personal leave per calendar year13 paid state/college holidays per calendar year Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:6 medical options3 dental plan options3 vision plan options Include: life insurancelong-term disability Retirement benefits package including one of: Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3 Two voluntary investment (not matched) programsTIAA (403b)State Deferred Compensation (457) plan Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in:Medical Flexible Spending planLimited Purpose Flexible Spending planHealth Savings AccountDependent Care AssistanceDiscounts for automobile and homeowner insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Up to 21 days of military leaveUp to 5 days of paid bereavement leavePaid civil/jury dutyAbility to participate in a shared leave program Bargaining Unit: The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Support Team (BEST). Benefits are subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Application Procedures and Deadline:
Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at and received by 5 p.m. on March 6, 2026, for priority consideration. Application materials received after this date and time may be considered until the position is filled. More information about Bellingham Technical College is at or contact the Human Resources Office at . You will be contacted if selected for an interview. At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.
Required Online Application Materials: Completed BTC Online Employment Application & Supplemental QuestionsResume (Word or PDF file attachment) Interviews are tentatively scheduled for March 23 - March 24, 2026
The application package and all materials submitted with it become the property of the college and will not be returned or considered for additional or future openings.
Mission: Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities.
Employment Eligibility Verification: Bellingham Technical College employs only United States citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
Bellingham Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, pregnancy, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state . click apply for full job details
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