Financial Aid Specialist

FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST

Job Description

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

• Director of Financial Aid

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: NO

FLSA STATUS:

• Non-exempt position
• It is expected this position will require approximately 40 hours/week to satisfactorily complete the job expectations with occasional overtime needed. 

Description

This position, under general supervision, is responsible for assisting the Director of Financial Aid in administering all facets of the College's financial aid programs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Maintain working knowledge of the Federal Student Aid Handbook, as well as any other federal, state, and local regulations for administering financial aid
• Counsel students and parents on financial aid opportunities and processes; including budgeting, debt management and other issues related to financing a higher education
• Requests additional information for incomplete or inconsistent applications needed to perform accurate awarding of financial aid
• Utilize Jenzabar J1 system, COGNOS, and the Department of Education and other federal service systems to receive, process, and disburse federal financial aid
• Responsible for maintaining all financial aid records and student financial aid files in accordance with federal, state and institution requirements
• Communicate effectively with supervisors
• Interface with financial aid community, lenders, and miscellaneous funding sources
• Interact effectively and positively with all campus departments
• Provide continual evaluation of processes and procedures. Responsible for suggesting methods to improve area operations, efficiency and service to both internal and external customers
• Participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions
• Attend annual conferences and training sessions in conjunction with the Director of Financial Aid
• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality
• Provides preliminary review of all financial aid applications and supporting documents. 
• Complies and evaluates financial aid documents for information discrepancies and to resolve problems. 
• Assesses students' compliance with Federal and State financial aid requirements. 
• Acts as liaison between student and financial aid office for unresolved and complex issues that arise during the intake process. 
• Maintains the policies and procedures to ensure application processing, notification, and the accurate dissemination of financial aid information. 
• Using database systems, enters, accesses, and maintains information in on-line computer and personal computer terminal, assuring data integrity. 
• Applies judgement and knowledge of college and departmental policies and procedures to conduct department business. 
• Disseminates information on a variety of complex financial aid programs verbally and in writing. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

Job Requirements

Requirements

• Associate's Degree is required or higher preferred.
• Experience in computerized systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong work ethic- dedicated to completing the job
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community at large
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment
• Functional knowledge with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Basic personal computer operation, willingness to adapt to a changing technology environment (i.e. updates, security, and new versions), ability to use multiple internet browsers, competent in email and document management

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

On location, work is generally performed indoors with ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. May periodically travel to assigned locations.

Bethany College provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Bethany College complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.