Financial Aid Officer - Merritt

College Information

Peralta/College Information

Merritt College

Merritt College is a public, comprehensive, two-year college,

maintained by the Peralta Community College District in Alameda

County. With a comprehensive day and evening program of transfer,

technical, occupational and basic skills education, the College is

committed to meeting the educational needs of the diverse student

population it serves.

Located on a 125-acre site in the hills of East Oakland, Merritt

College combines modern, spacious facilities with a spectacular

view of the entire Bay Area. An integral part of a large, busy

urban community, the location provides a sense of tranquility and

peace.

Position Information

Job Title

Financial Aid Officer - Merritt

Time Base

40 Hours/Week 12 Months/Year

Compensation

Salary Range: $10,530.79 - $13,576.09/Per Month. Hiring Range:

$10,530.79 - $11,667.99/month- The maximum initial placement is

Step 3 depending on experience.

Position Type

Classified

Department

Vice President of Student Services (641)

City

Oakland

State

CA

Job Description Summary

Under general direction of the Dean of Enrollment Services,

supervise and coordinate the operation of a comprehensive financial

aid at an assigned campus; coordinate assigned activities with

other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and

provide highly responsible and complex program assistance to the

Dean.

Duties & Responsibilities

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do

listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions

of this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must

be able to perform each essential duty of the position

satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

required for the position.

Function as the College’s financial aid lead to Federal

Department of Education and California Community College

Chancellor’s Office.

Ensure that the college implement all federal and state programs in

accordance with the policy and procedural guidelines.

Provide ongoing training to financial aid staff and its student

workers in order to efficiently process and facilitate the awarding

of students’ financial aid based on their qualifications.

Support college’s compliance with financial aid related state

initiatives. Examples may include homeless and foster youth

initiatives, AB 540/ Dream Act, AB 19, scholarships, etc.

Support staff in developing and monitoring contracts with external

community partners for compliance with the Federal Work-Study ( FWS

) program.

Ensure all federal and state student aid programs are

reconciled.

Manage and oversee Merritt’s student financial aid program

budgets.

Recommend and lead college’s financial aid department operational

budget. This includes monitoring regular budget expenditures,

income, transfer, journal, and financial records, and making

recommendations for changes to staffing and discretionary

budgets.

Serve as lead liaison to various college and district level offices

including: Business, Admissions & Records, Counseling, Finance,

special programs, etc.

Develop financial aid initiatives to respond to the needs of the

college’s financial aid office and students. Examples may include

Loan Default Prevention, GET SAP, FATV, etc.

Handle all college, state, federal financial student grievance

claims regarding their financial aid issues. This includes research

and investigating the case and writing a report to document

findings and actions taken responding to complaints filed with the

Federal Department of Education.

Lead compliance with the institution’s Program Participation

Agreement ( PPA ),collaborate with various departments and

individuals such as college and District Admissions and Records

offices, college instruction offices, District Finance Office,

District Financial Aid, Curriculum and System Technology Analyst,

and external agencies to maintain the Participation of Federal

Student Financial Aid Program

Manage federal and state grant programs including maintaining

awareness of changes in regulations that govern these programs.

Develop and implement new procedures as needed.

Develop and update communications in relation to financial aid

programs and services in accordance with federal consumer

information laws, publications and procedures.

Plan and implement college Financial Aid in-reach and outreach

efforts. This includes responding to internal/external requests for

presentations; managing state-mandated Initiative I Can Afford

College outreach effort; training financial aid staff to

effectively outreach and promote financial aid programs.

Ensure the college responds in a timely manner to changes in

federal and state student aid programs by recommending and

developing processes for administering new and expanded financial

aid programs such as CCPG, CCCG, FTSSG, Dreamer Emergency Grant,

Year-Round Pell.

Assist with resolving first-level conflicts among financial aid

staff and with staff outside the department, insofar as it relates

to financial aid matters.

Provide trainings and updates to financial aid staff, business

department, and college counselors.

Coordinate and serve on the college committees such as Appeals

Committee, CCPG (formerly known as BOFW ), Petition Committees, and

Student Success Committee.

Manage and perform calculation for the return of Title IV funds in

cases where students have withdrawn or earned unsatisfactory

grades.

Lead for reporting the students’ overpayments to “borrower services

collections” in an effort to decrease the financial debt for the

institution.

Manages all students’ stale check (returned check) disbursements

through reviewing students’ financial aid eligibility. If

necessary, contact and remove students’ awards from PeopleSoft and

Common Origination & Disbursement Web Site ( COD ).

Develop, supervise, and implement the daily operation of the

college’s financial aid program in compliance with the federal,

state and applicable laws, policies and regulations.

Assign and supervise the work of the College’s financial aid staff

and its student workers.

Determine student eligibility for all federal, state, and private

financial aid programs.

Interpret federal, state, and district rules, regulations, policies

and procedures related to student aid. Manage and updates office

procedures and inform staff of changes in district, state and

federal rules and regulations.

Accurately complete federal and state financial aid reports in a

timely manner. Examples may include BFAP, FISAP, FTSSG, SSCG, and

student enrollment reports.

Identify financial aid system improvements and provide input to the

district data center.

Work with the Director of Financial Aid to write financial aid

procedure manual and handbook.

Effectively and proactively work with the District Director and

other Peralta Colleges’ financial aid supervisors to provide

leadership, develop operational policies and procedures in

accordance with local, federal, and state mandate

requirements.

Draft letters for the financial aid department (i.e., Appeal

letters, Overpayment letters, R2T4 letters, Eligibility letters,

etc.)

Work with other colleges outside PCCD to resolve Title IV

issues.

Serve as College lead in preparing all federal and state financial

aid audit reports in consultation with the District Financial Aid

Director.

Develop and implement measurement tools for program evaluation

including SLOs/ SAOs.

Evaluate and recommend improvements to the college’s financial aid

using annual program reviews and updates.

Develop content and manage updates to the Financial Aid webpage,

delegate and dispense work as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

with major

course work in business administration, public administration,

counseling, or a related field AND /OR any combination of training

and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and

abilities.

2. Five years of responsible experience in a financial aid office

including one year of administrative and/or lead supervisory

experience.

3. Knowledge and proficiency in the operation and use of personal

computers utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and database

management software programs (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Access and

PowerPoint) and knowledge of standard office equipment.

4. Applicant must have demonstrated cultural competency,

sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic,

socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of

community college staff, faculty, and students

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of

Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a

Financial Aid program.

Principles of supervision, training, and performance

evaluation.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations

including state and federal requirements for financial aid records,

eligibility, and awarding regulations, policies, and

guidelines.

Available benefits, services, programs, and supportive funding from

public and private agencies.

Program reporting requirements.

Fundamental accounting, budgeting and fiscal reporting

procedures.

Methods used in evaluating student eligibility.

Principles and techniques of interviewing and counseling. Community

college organization and purposes.

Principles of budget preparation and control. Principles and

procedures of record keeping.

Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.

Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including

computers.

Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and

statistical databases including specialized software for financial

aid processing.

Ability to

Coordinate and direct college financial aid programs.

Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level

staff.

Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.

Recommend and implement goals,

objectives, policies, and procedures for providing financial aid

programs.

Understand the organization and operation of the District and of

outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned

responsibilities.

Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific

administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as

applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and

regulations.

Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned

budgets.

Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and

deadlines.

Effectively represent the Financial Aid Office to outside

individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of

the unit.

Work cooperatively with other departments and outside

agencies.

Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to

inquiries from the public, students, staff, or other agencies on

sensitive issues in area of responsibility.

Interpret and explain financial aid policies and procedures.

Prepare clear and concise reports, complex correspondence, and

program reporting.

Understand, interpret and apply legislation pertaining to financial

grants and loans.

Maintain cooperative and helping relationships with the individuals

for whom the program is intended and provide alternative

suggestions or referrals for resolution of financial and

other

individual problems.

Exercise sound, consistent and professional judgment in reviewing

and screening applicants.

Design and provide informative workshops to students and the

community.

Make decisions and take independent action. Implement changes to

facilitate non-traditional program delivery processes.

Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the

varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic,

socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college

students.

Environmental Demands

• occasional work performed alone
• constant work around and with people

Other Requirements

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• flexibility or ability to respond to multiple demands

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and

climbing stairs

• occasional lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs.
• occasional pushing and pulling up to 20 lbs.
• occasional twisting of body
• occasional use of manual dexterity
• occasional use of tactile acuity
• occasional use of visual acuity from a distance, with depth, and

for color

• frequent work at a rapid pace
• frequent reaching, high, low, and level
• frequent audio acuity at all ranges, including speech
• frequent visual acuity for reading
• constant sitting
• constant use of clear oral communication

Tools & Equipment Used

• computers and standard office machines and equipment
• multi-line telephones
• department-specific equipment

Application Deadline Date

February 24, 2026

Open Date

02/10/2026

First Review Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Failure to follow the requirements below may result in your

application being disqualified.

Required documents and applications are only accepted through the

online process. Please do not mail or fax your application.

Information on transcripts must include degree awarded and

confer date.

Copies of diplomas will not substitute for transcripts. Finalists

will be required to submit official transcripts from fully

accredited college or university institutions prior to the final

interview.

Note: A written evaluation by an official foreign

credentials/transcripts evaluation and translation service must be

submitted for Foreign Degree(s) (non-U.S. degrees) by the

application deadline date.

Travel expenses for the interview and selection process will be

borne by the candidates.

Appointment to the position is conditional upon the approval of the

Chancellor.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employees must satisfy all pre-employment requirements to work for

the District which include, but are not limited to, the following

items

REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Tuberculosis Examination: Prior to employment, the successful

candidate will be required to submit evidence (either skin test or

X-ray report) of being free of tuberculosis within the past sixty

(60) days. The TB test is a condition of employment and any expense

must be borne by the successful candidate.

Fingerprinting Requirement: As a condition of employment, all

employees working for community colleges in the State of California

are required to be fingerprinted within the first ten (10) working

days of the date of employment pursuant to Education Code Section

88024.

Immigration Requirement: According to the Immigration Reform and

Control Act, the Peralta Community College District is required to

verify that all new employees are legally authorized to work in the

United States.

All new employees are required to complete and sign a verification

form and provide documentation attesting that he/she is legally

authorized to work in the United States.

District Policy: A Social Security Card will be required following

selection and prior to completion of the hiring process. The

employment process cannot be completed without a copy of the Social

Security Card on file in the Office of Human Resources.

Medical Examination: Under state regulations and as a condition of

employment, certain positions may require a medical examination

prior to employment. Expenses incurred will be borne by the

employee.

EEO Statement

The Peralta Community College District is an Equal Opportunity

Employer. The District is strongly committed to achieving staff

diversity and the principles of equal employment opportunity. The

District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,

ancestry, sex, age religion, marital status, sexual orientation,

disability or genetic information, gender identity or expression,

citizenship status, veterans status, status with regards to public

assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state

or local law, in any of its policies, procedures or

practices.

Reasonable Accommodations

In conformance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the

Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for Reasonable

Accommodations may be made to the Office of Human Resources by

calling (510) 466-7283.

The Peralta Community College District reserves the right to close

or not fill any advertised position.

Benefits Information

Benefits Information

Benefits Information

FRINGE BENEFITS

The Peralta Colleges proudly offers a competitive and comprehensive

core of work-life benefits. The value of the employer contribution

towards your benefits may increase your total compensation by as

much as 47%. Benefit-eligible employees have access to coverage for

themselves and eligible dependents

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription drug insurance

coverage*

• Life insurance of 150% of your income up to $100,000.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.

In addition to your own contribution, Peralta also contributes

26.81% of your salary to the California Public Employees Retirement

System (CalPERS). Effective January 1, 2013, the PEPRA (Public

Employees’ Pension Reform Act) went into effect.

Changes have been implemented as a result of the adoption of this

legislation that impact new and existing employees enrolled in

CalPERS. A summary of those changes is available at

http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/employer/program-services/summary-pension-act.pdf.

For further up to date information on CalPERS retirement

eligibility and PEPRA, please visit the website at www.calpers.com

www.calpers.ca.gov/. The CalPERS member handbook is available at

http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/pubs/member/your-benefits-your-future-school-benefits.pdf.,

please visit the website at www.calpers.com. After 10 years of

creditable service, medical benefits in retirement are extended

until age 65.

Other voluntary benefits include

• Flexible benefit plan participation in the Medical Reimbursement

Plan, Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan (under tax code 125)

• Pre-tax commuting expenses (under IRS code 132)
• Tax-deferred plan participation in the 403(b) and 457 plans
• Credit union membership
• Prepaid legal plan participation
• Additional Life Insurance for yourself, spouse or children
• Kaiser and United Health Care Dental are fully paid by the

District. Other plans require employee contribution. Subject to

change.

Mission Statement

The Peralta Community College District is a collaborative of

colleges advancing social and economic transformation for students

and the community through quality education, rooted in equity,

social justice, environmental sustainability, and

partnerships.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• List of References
• Resume
• Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Other Document