Program Specialist (Second Chance Pell/Prison Education Program (PEP)) Job Listing at Bellevue College in Centralia, WA (Job ID 15422)

Description

About Us  

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Job Description  

This position assists and supports incarcerated students at Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC) and Washington Corrections Center (WCC) as part of Centralia College's Second Chance Pell/Prison Education Program (PEP). The Program Specialist manages a caseload of 50-100 incarcerated students, providing comprehensive financial aid navigation, academic support, and enrollment services.

This position provides training and support while working with Centralia College Corrections Education Navigators to help students complete the required forms and paperwork to participate in the Corrections Education Program. The Program Specialist assists DOC Corrections Education staff members, and students with admissions applications, registrations, FAFSA applications, and ongoing financial aid management. This position works directly with incarcerated students and is expected to work on Centralia College Main Campus (Centralia) as well as at CCCC (Little Rock) and WCC (Shelton), including some evenings, to provide direct assistance to students and staff.

The Program Specialist works on campus (Centralia), CCCC (Littlerock), and WCC (Shelton), alternating work sites as needed for program support. The nature of the work is technical and requires an ability to interpret and work in accordance with federal, state, college, and Department of Corrections policies, procedures, and regulations, including FERPA privacy regulations, and to coordinate work between the Centralia College Financial Aid and Enrollment Services offices. This position reports to the Director of Corrections; however, the position requires extensive work, support, and training from the Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Departments.

This position is responsible for handling information and applications for financial aid programs and enrollment processes, offering technical support to students, and resolving eligibility issues related to citizenship, academic progress (including advising), identity verification, and income or tax matters. This role is central to the collaboration between Centralia College Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, DOC, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), helping to build and manage financial aid programs for incarcerated students.

As the primary liaison to CCCC and WCC for financial aid students, the Specialist works closely with other college departments, including Corrections, Academic Advising, Student Financials (Cashier), and Instructional Departments. This position requires the ability to interpret and apply program-specific policies and to develop strategies that support student success. A strong understanding of student eligibility regulations and the ability to assist with completion of federal (FAFSA) and state (WASFA) applications are essential. The position also requires advocacy skills to work with external agencies including Federal Student Aid (FSA), loan servicers, and the FSA Default Resolution Group on behalf of incarcerated students.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Financial Aid Management and Compliance

• Provide comprehensive financial aid navigation and support to a caseload of 50-100 incarcerated students across two correctional facilities
• Handle information and applications for financial aid programs, offering technical support to students and resolving complex eligibility issues
• Assist with completion of federal (FAFSA) and state (WASFA) applications, including guidance on application corrections and updates
• Work with Centralia College Financial Aid staff and directors to resolve student issues, complaints, and exceptions for unusual circumstances as allowed by federal and state regulations for Pell Grant-related incarcerated student activities
• Collaborate with Financial Aid and Enrollment Directors and/or their designees to develop and implement procedures based on program changes and regulatory updates
• Work with Centralia College Financial Aid to assist students with completing documentation of citizenship and identity verification, and tax verification to complete FAFSA corrections
• Maintain comprehensive understanding of eligibility requirements for all aid programs administered by the financial aid office including assisting students with the financial aid appeal process.
• Adhere to privacy regulations and FERPA requirements in all student interactions and documentation
• Assist with the notification of quarterly Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process for students who failed to meet SAP standards

Student Loan Management and Advocacy

• Assist incarcerated students in managing student loans, including contacting loan servicers and the FSA Default Resolution Group to work towards loan forgiveness or rehabilitation
• Advocate for incarcerated students in FSA Account Recovery processes and work with FSA to provide documentation of identity and resolve account access issues
• Navigate complex federal student loan systems on behalf of students who have limited access to technology and communication channels

Enrollment Services and Academic Support

• Assist with admissions and registration processes for DOC students, coordinating between multiple campus departments
• Liaise with the Corrections Navigators for re-entry students on educational opportunities, academic progress, and funding sources, helping them identify and choose the best academic paths to achieve their goals
• Technical Systems and Documentation
• Utilize ctcLink PeopleSoft in support of programs that are part of the SBCTC system for student records, financial aid processing, and enrollment support
• Work independently in a college/DOC setting to identify and assist with student issues, complaints, and exceptions for unusual circumstances as allowed by regulations
• Coordinate with the Corrections Navigators to assist students with completing their files based on required documentation
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with federal, state, institutional, and DOC requirements
• Maintain records in the DOC system OMNI

Collaboration and Program Development

• Serve as primary liaison to CCCC and WCC for financial aid students, maintaining strong working relationships with DOC staff, Education Navigators, and facility administration
• Work closely with college departments including Corrections, Academic Advising, Enrollment, Financial Aid, Student Financials (Cashier), Transitional Studies, and Instructional Departments to coordinate comprehensive student support
• Communicate with SBCTC to ensure the creation and implementation of effective financial aid practices within corrections education statewide
• Coordinate with the Corrections Navigators to assist with student issues that need resolution, address regulatory requirements, and provide general information
• Participate in the development of specific program standards, and help identify areas in need of development and training
• Attend staff, conference, and training meetings to maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, corrections education, best practices, and institutional procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Centralia College¿s Corrections Education Program

Qualifications  

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with major study in a related field (i.e., justice studies, human services, counseling, social work, education, etc.).

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

AND

Ability to pass the DOC security clearance

Skills and Abilities

• 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 Office
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues

Physical Requirements  

• Position requires travel between multiple work sites: Centralia College main campus (Centralia), Cedar Creek Corrections Center (Littlerock), and Washington Corrections Center (Shelton)
• Work schedule includes occasional evening hours to accommodate student and staff needs
• Work is performed in correctional facility environments, requiring adherence to DOC security protocols and procedures
• Position requires DOC clearance and compliance with facility-specific security requirements, protocols, and procedures
• Work involves managing a high-volume caseload with competing priorities and complex regulatory requirements

Conditions of Employment  

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional technical overtime eligible exempt position. The salary is $54,210 - 54,210 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on March 5, 2026. Position is open until filled.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $54,210 - 54,210 (DOQ/DOE)

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work  

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Background Check  

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.

Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employers.  By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.   

EEO Statement  

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Jeanne Clery Statement  

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Title IX Statement  

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.

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