Position: Program Specialist II- Financial Aid

Open:   Feb 17, 2026

Closes: March 6, 2026, 5pm (Pacific)

Summary:

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 and Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, plan, organize, direct and coordinate operations for various financial aid programs.  The Program Specialist II 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.

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• 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 reconciliation
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• Coordinate student loan default prevention activities, including working with external partners, student outreach, and communication campaigns
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• 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 Reporting
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• Determine eligibility for WCG-Connect, WCG Bachelor’s level grant amounts, and will assist in supporting WCG-Apprenticeship implementation and awarding
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• Make award determinations that fit within each student’s cost of attendance, ensuring that financial need is met and not exceeded
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• Ensure compliance with Title IV, State, and Institutional regulations and policies related to financial aid programs and decision making
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• Use 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 records
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• Individually manage and keep a schedule to stay on track with weekly, monthly, and quarterly program required tasks and deadlines
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• Run quarterly Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process and notify students of their status
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• Provide accurate information and advice to students, staff, and the public regarding financial aid programs, policies, and procedures
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• Maintain auditable records for all managed programs and assist in completing state and federal reports accurately and timely
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• Collaborate with the Finance department to reconcile, close out, and resolve discrepancies in program accounts annually
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• Independently problem-solve and troubleshoot system errors using program handbooks, system business processing guides, and internal policy and procedures
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• Interpret and analyze data across multiple systems to make informed decisions in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies, including approved overrides and exceptions
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• Maintain and develop procedures for continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and use of technology related to overseen programs to better serve students and staff
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• Use word processing, graphics, statistical, spreadsheet, and/or database software
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• Perform Excel processing tasks such as merging and sorting with spreadsheet and database files
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• Actively seek out and participate in federal and state provided training and policy updates
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• Other duties as assigned
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About Bellingham Technical College:

BTC is a premier higher education institution working to provide student-centered, high quality professional technical education throughout Whatcom County and is the only technical college serving northwest Washington State. The College is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional training and educational opportunities to area residents and employers. Founded in 1957 as Bellingham Vocational Institute, it has continued to offer high-quality education in a supportive, student-first environment. BTC has been serving its region with workforce education degrees and certificates to approximately 6,000 students per year. The college provides professional technical programs and courses, adult basic education, English Language Acquisition programs, academic courses, community education, a few direct transfer degree opportunities, and two Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. BTC works closely with regional employers and other partners to develop programs and train students to fill regional workforce demands and support economic development.
 
BTC is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming campus that supports diversity, promotes a sense of community, provides an effective work and learning environment, and encourages respect for individuals. As an Equal Opportunity employer, BTC values diversity and aims to recruit employees that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a successful and supportive learning environment for a diverse student and employee population with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Required Skills/Abilities:

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• Excellent customer service and strong interpersonal skills
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• Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholders
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• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
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• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
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• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
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• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
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• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, general office equipment, and related software
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Minimum Qualifications:

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• Contingent upon successfully completing a job-related background check in accordance with Washington State law
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• Associates degree
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?         Three years of relevant work experience providing financial assistance services

Or

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• Equivalent education and experience
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Preferred Qualifications:

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• Experience in awarding financial aid, funds management, and reporting
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• Experience working in a community/technical college or other higher education setting
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• Experience with State and Federal financial aid program regulations
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Physical Work Environment:

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• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  Varying from 4-7 hours per day
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• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
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Compensation, Work Schedule, and Benefits:

Starting salary is $5,054 per month which is based on $60,648 annual: $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: 

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• 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).
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This position will receive prorated leave based on the BEST CBA:

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• 8 hours per month of sick leave
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• 10.67 starting at hours per month of vacation leave
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• 24 hours of personal leave per calendar year
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• 12 paid state/college holidays per calendar year
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Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:

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• 6 medical options
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• 3 dental plan options
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• 3 vision plan options
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Include:

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• life insurance
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• long-term disability
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Retirement benefits package including one of:

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• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2
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• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3
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Two voluntary investment (not matched) programs

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• TIAA (403b)
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• State Deferred Compensation (457) plan
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Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in:

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• Medical Flexible Spending plan
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• Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan
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• Health Savings Account
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• Dependent Care Assistance
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• Discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance
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• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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• Up to 21 days of military leave
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• Up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave
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• Paid civil/jury duty
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• Ability to participate in a shared leave program
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Bargaining Unit: 

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• 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).
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Application Procedures and Deadline:

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at http://www.btc.edu/jobs 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 www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 752-8354.  You will be contacted if selected for an interview.  At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.

Required Online Application Materials:

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• Completed BTC Online Employment Application & Supplemental Questions
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• Resume (Word or PDF file attachment)
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Interviews are tentatively scheduled for March 23 – March 24, 2026