Support Specialist

Grays Harbor College is accepting applications for a Support Specialist (Prison Education Program -Pell/DOC). This full-time position located at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, under the supervision of the Associate Dean of Corrections Education and works directly with incarcerated students (I/S). GHC/SCCC is a student-centered department that changes the lives of incarcerated students and their families through the power of education. Together they will work with students to complete the required forms and paperwork to participate in the Prison Education Program. The nature of the work is technical and requires the ability to interpret and work in accordance with federal, state, college and Department of Corrections (DOC) policies, procedures, and regulations, and to coordinate work with the Student Funding Department to ensure college administrative capability is maintained.

This position is responsible for coordinating the information and application processes of the various financial aid programs available for the Prison Education Program (PEP) at GHC/SCCC, has extensive contact with financial aid students by providing technical support for the various program processes and providing problem resolutions related to student eligibility issues, including citizenship status, satisfactory academic progress, income and tax issues, identity verification and other various eligibility criteria. This position will also serve as an academic advisor, assisting with career pathways and course selection. The position will be an integral part of an administrative team at GHC/SCCC that will be building the processes and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and statutes pertaining to Prison Education Programs for both federal and state financial aid programs and Veteran's benefits.

Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC) is located approximately 6.5 miles outside of Aberdeen. Although safeguards are implemented to protect staff, this work will be performed in a correctional facility where the potential for violence exists. Applicants for this position must be able to pass an N.C.I.C. background check and be cleared to work in a prison. Continual access to the facility is a critical element of employment.

This is grant funded position and continuation is subject to the availability of funding. Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs and long-term disability insurance. Full-time employees will also receive 15.34 hours of vacation leave per month, 8 hours of sick leave per month and 4 personal leave days a year. Washington state also observes 11 paid holidays per year.

This position at Grays Harbor College has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Grays Harbor College Federation of Teachers, Local 4984. The union and the college have a collective bargaining agreement (referred to as the contract) that is posted on the GHC website at

• Directly advise re-entry students on educational opportunities, academic progress, and funding sources, helping them identify and choose the best academic paths to achieve their goals.
• Stay current on GHC advising practices and actively participate as a member of the advising team.
• Use ctcLink People Soft in support of programs that are part of the SBCTC system, providing comprehensive service, information, and assistance in-person or by other electronic means for all available financial aid programs.
• Work independently in an institutional setting to identify and resolve student issues, complaints and exceptions for unusual circumstances as allowed by regulations.
• Assist students with the application processes, which includes the state WASFA and the federal FAFSA.
• Assist students in navigating the financial aid appeal processes.
• Assist students in completing their files based on required documentation.
• Develop and regularly provide workshops related to financial aid programs and the various application processes.
• Assisting students by checking their CTCLink accounts for any Financial Aid related communications sent to them.
• Refer student issues seeking exceptions to state or federal regulations for financial aid to the Associate Dean of Student funding.
• Maintain a broad understanding of eligibility requirements for all aid programs administered by the financial aid office.
• Conduct research using federal and state resources to resolve student eligibility issues.
• Assist students with appeals for maximum time frame (MTF) as needed which are submitted to the Financial Aid Office via the College's website, ensuring all documentation is included.
• Assist students in completing their appropriate FAFSA or WASFA (if undocumented) and mail them to the US Department of Education for FAFSAs and to the Washington Student Achievement Council for the WASFA.
• Facilitate communication between students and the appropriate departments on main campus regarding their eligibility.
• Research and confer regularly with department staff regarding implementation of the various program rules.
• Participate in the development of specific program standards, and help to identify areas in need of development and training.
• Attend all staff meetings as directed.
• Attend conference/training meetings as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree OR equivalent combination of relevant educational and work experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis
• One (1) year full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, working in an office setting with a demonstrated ability to work in accordance with policies and procedures
• One (1) year full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience providing customer service
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues
• Valid unrestricted Washington Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and experience working in higher education or K-12 schools
• Commitment to a philosophy of promoting student success
• Working knowledge of financial aid regulations
• Bilingual Language Ability in Spanish (verbal and written fluency)
• Understanding of financial aid programs

Physical Work Environment
Work is typically performed in an office setting, and onsite/in-person inside of Stafford Creek Corrections Center. As needed, work may be required on Grays Harbor College main campus. The ability to sit at a desk/computer station, bend, stoop, walk and generally move around the office to consult with others, work within a busy environment and remain focused on tasks. Inventory management requires some lifting and moving of objects up to 30lbs. Excellent communication skills are essential. This includes the ability to speak clearly and fully comprehend written and spoken English and will include communication with people for whom English is not their first language. This also includes the ability to produce clearly written documents. Those who are multilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.

• Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position.
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references.

Background checks - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetics, or age in its programs, activities, and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Title II/Section 504 and Title IX Coordinator – Erin Tofte, Associate Vice President of Human Resources

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call