Education Assistance Specialist - Tohono O'odham Nation

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, provides financial aid counseling and information to eligible students who are pursuing secondary or post-secondary degrees, licenses or certificates.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Visits high schools, colleges, universities or trade schools to provide financial counseling and information to students.
• Assists students in applying for tribal scholarship and other financial aid.
• Monitors the student's academic progress and assists those who are having academic or financial aid problems; counsels students on maintaining eligibility requirements of the program.
• Reviews financial aid applications for completeness and eligibility requirements.
• Assists with the preparation of financial aid reports, proposals and program budgets.
• Prepares requisitions and processes check requests.
• Coordinates payments among various institutions.
• Maintains positive relations with community members by providing program information, and assisting in planning and coordinating special activities and education events.
• Monitors recipient case records and all documentation; creates and maintains case files on all clients; generates reports as required.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health and social problems of Native Americans.
• Knowledge in financial aid programs such as scholarships grants and loans.
• Knowledge of tribal, federal and state educational rules and regulations that concern financial aid eligibility requirements.
• Skill in budget preparation and administration.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Education, Guidance Counseling or closely related field and two years' work experience in teaching or counseling, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.