Program Specialist (Second Chance Pell/DOC)
Centralia College

Job Title: Program Specialist (Second Chance Pell/DOC)
Location: Centralia College
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 14413
About Us

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Job Description

This position will assist and support incarcerated students at Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC) and Washington Corrections Center (WCC) as part of Centralia College Second Chance Pell/Prison Education Program (PEP).This position will work closely with training and supporting Centralia College Corrections Education navigators with required forms to participate in Prison Education program.The Program Specialist will assist DOC staff members and students with admissions applications, registrations, and FAFSA applications. This position works directly and indirectly with incarcerated students and is expected to work occasionally at the two extension sites, including evening, to provide direct assistance to staff and students.

The Program Specialist will work primarily on campus with each extension site being alternate work sites as needed for program support.The nature of the work is technical and requires an ability to interpret and work in accordance with federal, state, college, and Department of Corrections policies, procedures, and regulations, and to coordinate work between the Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Office.

This position is responsible for handling information and applications for financial aid programs and enrollment processes, offering technical support to students, and resolving eligibility issues related to citizenship, academic progress, and income or tax matters. This role is central to the collaboration between Financial Aid, Enrollment Services and our DOC partners, helping to build and manage the new financial aid and Pell Grant program.

As the primary liaison to CCCC and WCC for financial aid students, the Specialist also works closely with other college departments, including Corrections, Academic Advising, Student Financials (cashier) and Instructional Departments. This position requires the ability to interpret and apply program-specific policies and to develop strategies that support student success.A strong understanding of student eligibility regulations and the ability to evaluate federal (FAFSA) and state (WASFA) applications are essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Financial Aid staff to assist with resolving student issues, complaints, and exceptions for unusual circumstances as allowed by regulation for Pell Grant-related for Incarcerated Student activities
Work with both Financial Aid and Enrollment Directors to develop and implement new procedures based on program changes
Liaise with the corrections Navigators for re-entry students on educational opportunities, academic progress, and funding sources, helping them identify and choose the best academic paths to achieve their goals.
Use of ctcLink People Soft in support of programs that are part of the SBCTC system, providing comprehensive service, information, and assistance by electronic means, with occasional in-person assistance for all available financial aid programs
Work independently in a college setting to identify and resolve student issues, complaints and exceptions for unusual circumstances as allowed by regulations
Coordinate with the Corrections Navigators to assist students with completing their files based on required documentation.
Coordinate with the Corrections Navigator to assist students with the financial aid appeal processes
Coordinate with the Corrections Navigator to assist with student issues that need resolution, regulatory requirements, and general information
manage all admissions and registration processes for DOC students
assist students to request official transcripts, requests for transfer credit evaluations and application for graduation
Maintain a broad understanding of eligibility requirements for all aid programs administered by the financial aid office
Assist with the notification of quarterly satisfactory academic progress (SAP) process for students that failed to meet SAP
Research and confer regularly with department staff and outside agencies, such as state and national organizations, regarding the interpretation of regulations, and implementation of the various program rules related to Second Chance Pell/Prison Education Program
Participate in the development of specific program standards, and help to identify areas in need of development and training
Attend all staff meetings as directed
Attend conference/training meetings as directed
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Associates Degree AND/OR equivalent combination of relevant educational and work experience in an office setting working and or providing customer service working with policies and procedures.

AND

Ability to pass the DOC security clearance.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office
Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues

Conditions of Employment

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional technical overtime eligible exempt position. The salary is $47,050 - 53,500 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on November 20, 2024. Position is open until filled.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $47,050 - 53,500 (DOQ/DOE)

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

Online Application
Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Background Check

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.

EEO Statement

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Jeanne Clery Statement

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Title IX Statement

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.

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