Financial Aid Technician II
Priority Application Deadline May 25, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Taft College is more than a place to work—it’s a community committed to making a difference. Nestled in California’s Central Valley, we pride ourselves on fostering student success, supporting one another, and creating opportunities that change lives. Our collaborative culture and dedication to excellence make Taft College a place where employees and students thrive together. We are committed to supporting student succewss through a collaborative and service-oriented environment. In this role, employees assist with financial aid processing, helping students navaigate the application and aware process. Responsiblities include reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining financial aid records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and service to students.
Representative Duties:
- Assists in the coordination and management of the student worker program.
- Develops and provides complete and current written information to students and parents about financial aid, including costs, application procedures and eligibility criteria.
- Interprets and orally explains financial aid procedures to students, community agencies, faculty, staff and the public.
- Evaluates financial aid packages to ensure materials meet Federal and State guidelines.
- Calculates, awards and prepares disbursements of institutional funds for review.
- Performs data load of financial aid data with Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission in the absence of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office Coordinator.
- Assists students in completing applications and validates accuracy of information to meet Federal and State guidelines.
- Processes applications and determines eligibility.
- Records and maintains information in the data management system to maintain Federal guideline tables. Responds to student inquiries and maintains all financial aid records.
- Assists in gathering information to submit to the State and/or Federal government to assure proper accounting for and receipt of funds.
- Monitors student eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.
- Notifies students of financial aid eligibility status and awards.
- Performs a variety of specialized clerical duties.
- Gathers, enters and retrieves financial aid data using scanner or computerized system.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Key Knowledge Areas:
- Federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to the financial aid process.
- Clerical and office skills.
- Complex and changing state and federal regulations and procedures, including tax forms.
- Financial aid programs.
- College policies regarding satisfactory academic progress.
- Accounting procedures and programs for balancing accounts, calculating eligibility, maintaining, and reporting financial records.
- Program referral procedures.
- Effective methods of working with the public.
- Effective written and oral skills.
- Basic research and evaluation methods.
- Computer applications such as Word, Excel, e-mail and internet browsers.
- Basic filing methods.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
- General secretarial skills and techniques.
- Organizational and prioritization skills.
- Accurate recordkeeping operations and guidelines.
Ability to:
- Learn District processes and procedures, rules, laws and regulations.
- Learn financial aid programs and procedures.
- Interpret and explain financial aid processes, rules and eligibility requirements.
- Keep files current, accurate and in order.
- Analyze and comply with requested data, reports and fiscal operations.
- Make presentations to public, parents and students.
- Read and interpret laws, rules and regulations.
- Be efficient, well organized and maintain neatness.
- Work independently with minimal direction.
- Follow guidelines and directions as directed.
- Meet the public, students, and faculty and staff cordially and effectively.
- Provide customer service.
- Enter and retrieve computer information accurately.
- Use a computer database and interpret computer data.
- Communicate with administrators, faculty, staff, students and the public.
- Perform arithmetic calculations with accuracy.
- Communicate effectively orally, in writing, manage time sensitive tasks, and maintain confidentiality.
- Take responsibility and use professional judgment based on established guidelines and procedures.
- Assume responsibility for routine clerical detail.
- Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment including expert use of computers for word processing, record management and filing systems.
- Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services.
- Establish and maintain comprehensive and accurate files and records; prepare concise and complete reports as required.
- Quickly learn a variety of technological programs, and use them all on a daily basis.
Physical Requirements:
- Vision sufficient to read documents and computer terminal displays.
- Speech and hearing to communicate in person or by telephone.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to use a variety of office equipment, computer keyboards and to handle paper.
- Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds such as paper and reports.
- Ability to bend and reach to retrieve and file supplies, equipment and documents.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates and employees with physical disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate Degree or equivalent and one (1) year of experience working in an office setting; or
- High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience working with state and federal reporting.
Desirable Qualifications:
- One (1) year of experience in a higher education financial aid department, reviewing and awarding student financial aid;
- Bilingual: Spanish/English;
- Prior experience working with Banner.
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, 12-month per year position with fantastic benefits! At the West Kern Community College District, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive fringe benefits package, including District-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents. We also offer a generous vacation plan to help you recharge. In addition, you’ll be eligible to participate in the CalPERS or CalSTRS retirement systems, with the option to enhance your retirement savings through 457b and 403b optional retirement plans. This is an incredible opportunity to secure both your present and future while working with a dynamic team!
This position is Grade 21 on the Classified Salary Schedule, with a starting hourly range of $27.01-$31.28 per hour.
Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to submit your application:
- Completed your online application and submit through https://www.taftcollege.edu/human-resources/job_opportunities/
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Transcripts for all degrees listed, Unofficial are acceptable at this time.
- Provide contact information for three professional references, including your most recent supervisor. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept letters of reference.
Next Steps:
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! After the closing date, all applications will be carefully reviewed and evaluated based on minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an interview. We look forward to learning more about how you can contribute to our mission and make an impact at Taft College!
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The West Kern Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity . The District is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination and, as such, is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify.
Disclaimer
This program is categorically funded and continued employment is dependent upon adequate funding.
