Bilingual Financial Aid Advisor

Bilingual Financial Aid Advisor

Position Title: Bilingual Financial Aid Advisor

Department: Financial Aid and Veterans

Appointment Type: Annually Renewable

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Position FTE: 1.0FTE

Location: Albany Campus, Albany, OR

Salary Grade: 19

Salary Rate: Annual salary of $58,812, plus comprehensive benefits.

Job Summary: This position provides comprehensive, bilingual (English/Spanish) guidance and assistance to current and prospective students, families, and agency representatives regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This position analyzes and applies complex aid policies and regulations, coordinates the financial aid scholarship process, and leads outreach efforts and publications. Requires fluent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills in both English and Spanish.

Essential Duties: 1. Evaluates financial aid applications using federal methodology criteria to assess accuracy, completeness, and financial need. Reviews and processes FAFSA corrections, monitors outstanding requirements through completion, and requests supplementary documentation or data from applicants when necessary. 2. Conducts verification and fraud prevention reviews by analyzing student and parent financial documentation—including IRS tax transcripts, W-2s, and agency statements—to ensure data accuracy. Clears Department of Education (DOE) rejects, resolves comment codes, and verifies information to confirm FAFSA compliance. Utilizes SAVE third-step verification to verify eligible citizenship status. Reports to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in all fraud cases. 3. Packages financial aid offers using Banner, verifying eligibility across federal and state databases—including NSLDS, COD, and the OSAC portal—to prevent concurrent aid disbursement from multiple institutions within the same payment period. 4. Advises students, families, and community members on financial aid options, application processes, and institutional policies. Explains financial aid award decisions, eligibility criteria, petition processes, and the impacts of missing priority deadlines. Delivers student support through multiple communication channels (e.g., phone, email, front counter, and alert systems) in English and/or Spanish. 5. Updates Student Forms, consumer publications, and informational materials to maintain compliance with current federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies. Ensures key publications and communications are available in both English and Spanish. 6. Administers responsibilities for federal and state aid programs—including the Pell Grant, Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise, Oregon Tribal Student Grant Chaffee, and ORSAA—in conjunction with verification, packaging, and reconciliation functions. Coordinates financial aid administration for the Degree Partnership Program. Stays current with federal, state, and institutional regulations and procedures. 7. Evaluates student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, reviewing academic records and supporting documentation to determine reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. 8. Assists the director with federal regulation interpretation, policy updates, and administrative duties. Discusses complex, unusual, or confidential student cases, petitions, and requests with the director to ensure appropriate resolution. 9. Delivers presentations on FAFSA application procedures, aid eligibility, options, and student rights/responsibilities to high school seniors, parents, and current students in both campus and community settings. Presentations are conducted in English, Spanish, or both. 10. Evaluates and processes Professional Judgment appeals on a case-by-case basis. Conducts in-depth interviews with students to assess needs, interprets individual circumstances, and collects required documentation in accordance with federal regulations and college policies. 11. Coordinates the Financial Aid Scholarship process by serving as a liaison among the Foundation, faculty, staff, and students to facilitate scholarship development, promotion, application, and awarding. Bilingual support in English and Spanish. 12. Determines eligibility for OSAC, external, and institutional scholarships, grants, and waivers (including STEP, Foster Youth/YEHP, and Chafee Grants) by reviewing transcripts, SAP, and GPA. Manages database processing in Banner, the OSAC portal, and other external portals; monitors disbursement accuracy and adjusts awards based on Other Financial Assistance (OFA) to prevent over awarding; and coordinates with the Foundation, Business Office, faculty, and staff. 13. Performs other related duties, tasks, and special projects as assigned to support department operations and goals.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Physical Skills and Abilities: Must be able to operate a computer and use of other office equipment. Must be able to read words and numbers in both English and Spanish. Occasional lifting, guiding, or carrying of lightweight materials or equipment may be required. May sit for extended periods while working at a computer terminal. Must be able to communicate effectively one-on-one, in small groups, and over the phone. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Remote work may be required. Travel may be required. There may be frequent work interruptions or changes in workflow. Considerable time is spent working on a computer. Sensitive and difficult conversations can be stressful when relaying information regarding disqualification of aid eligibility.

Education and Experience - Position requires an AA/AS degree plus three years of full-time progressively responsible work experience, two of which are in student financial aid or a related field; or a BA/BS degree and a minimum of one year full-time, closely related experience. Requires bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish. *In accordance with Federal Family Educational Loan Program requirements, employees with access to federal and state student aid databases who have any personal federal student loans must maintain their loans in good standing. Defaults on federal student loans will disqualify applicants from initial hiring and disqualify employees from the continuation of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge and Skills: Requires considerable knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and operations. Requires knowledge of federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures relating to awarding and administering financial aid. Requires knowledge and skill with a networked financial aid computer system, such as Banner software. Requires written and bilingual skills in English and Spanish and bi-cultural awareness and sensitivity. Bilingual abilities are required for the translation of public documents and websites. Must have experience and skills with applicable word processing and spreadsheet applications. Proven ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and a customer-focused attitude in high-volume environments and during challenging customer interactions. Abilities: Requires the ability to independently perform position duties with high efficiency, strict confidentiality, and sound professional judgment. Must be able to analyze technical data and complex documentation to make accurate assessments based on well-established policies and federal regulations. Demonstrates strong communication skills to convey complex information effectively through individual consultations or group presentations. Requires proficiency in data entry, database management, and record-keeping operations. Must build positive working relationships across diverse campus and community groups, engaging respectfully with individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.

Employment Requirement - Criminal Background Check - C4 and Bilingual Proficiency Test

Applicant Instructions: Please complete the online application and upload or attach the following required documents: Resume or CV Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter/Letter of Interest Unofficial Academic Transcripts List of Three Professional References U.S. Veterans must attach proof of Veteran Status to their application to qualify for veteran's consideration. Resources and Tips for Applicants: Read about the Linn-Benton Community College recruitment process, tips and what to expect at this link. View information about Accessibility in Recruitment and disability accommodations at Linn-Benton Community College at this link.

Special Notes to Applicants: Information Regarding the Salary Placement Process: According to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between LBCC and the Independent Association of Classified Employees (IACE), all Classified employees begin at Step 1 of the salary schedule, corresponding to the position's grade. Placement at a higher step on the schedule is not negotiable, except by mutual written agreement of Association leadership and LBCC Human Resources. These exceptions are uncommon, and only granted in limited circumstances. The Bilingual Financial Aid Advisor position is graded as a Grade 19 at a 1.0FTE. Step 1 on the Classified salary schedule for this grade is $58,812 for a 247-day Fiscal Year appointment. Progression on the salary schedule is subject to the terms and conditions laid out in the IACE Collective Bargaining Agreement. Click here to view the current agreement, including the negotiated salary schedules by fiscal year. LBCC values a work life balance. Here are some benefits of working at LBCC: Medical, dental, vision insurance for employee and dependents Free tuition for employees and their dependents Prorated sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays based upon annual workload Public Employees Retirement eligibility after 6 months (LBCC pays the six percent employee contribution) Professional development funds Additionally, please note: As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to be compensated via direct deposit. Offers of employment are contingent on the applicant having Oregon residency at the time work commences. LBCC offers a pay incentive to eligible employees who demonstrate proficiency in conversational Spanish when evaluated and formally certified by a college-approved professional or agency. Eligibility to apply for and receive bilingual pay incentives for Spanish and languages other than English are subject to the provisions of Administrative Rule . For more information, please LBCC Bilingual Pay Incentive Administrative Policy or the Classified Association Agreement. Employment is subject to completion of a post-offer criminal background check. Linn-Benton Community College does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required