Under the direction of the Education Program Manager, the Financial Aid Specialist manages the research, analysis, verification, and recommendations for financial aid payments.  Works directly with community members, agency partners, tribal departments, and vendors to process payment requests in compliance with established tribal policies and procedures.

• Independently manages the research, analysis, verification, and recommendations for financial aid payments to deliver education benefits as outlined in the Education Resource Program Guidelines while ensuring the protection of tribal education resources.
• Acts as financial aid advisor and liaison to parents by communicating in-person, telephone, email, and by preparing draft correspondence for Education Committee member signatures.
• Preparing for Education Committee meetings which includes tasks such as creating the agenda, inviting members, communicating with members, and recording meeting minutes.
• Acts as liaison with Information Technology and Enrollment to ensure accurate database records and client files.
• Upholds a work environment that promotes teamwork, partnership, recognition, mutual respect, and collaboration while role modeling the company values, behaviors, and culture of One.Team.Chumash.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Business or equivalent work experience is required.
• Accounting Clerk Certificate is preferred.
• Three years of experience in financial aid disbursements or related equivalent experience.
• Intermediate computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft applications, email, and internet.
• Native American hiring preference applies.
• Financial Awareness: Actively seeking opportunities to optimize financial costs and investments when making decisions that have a financial implication.
• Data Gathering and Analytics: Collecting, consolidating, and using relevant information; recognizing important information; tracing possible causes of problems, and searching for practical data/solutions.
• Results Orientation: Being persistent and showing perseverance on achieving concrete and tangible results out of personal responsibility; getting optimum results from situations and being ready to take action and show tenacity in case of obstacles or resistance.
• Oral Communication: Shaping and expressing ideas and information in an effective manner.
• Written Communication: Expressing ideas and opinions clearly in properly structured, well organized, and grammatically correct reports or documents; utilizing language and terminology that is understandable for the reader.