Financial Aid Specialist

Description

SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Specialist has the responsibility of first contact with students; daily processing, reviewing and analyzing of Institutional Student Information Reports (ISIR); maintaining document tracking; and communicating document requirements to students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Provide Financial Aid Counseling and assistance regarding:
   1. Sources of student financial assistance
   2. General student eligibility requirements
   3. Cost of Attendance (COA) components
   4. Awarding process and components
   5. Verification
   6. General financial aid counseling with parents, students, staff and faculty.
2. Assist with management of Student Loan Programs:
   1. Prepare and review consumer information
   2. Coordinate and assist with Entrance and Exit Counseling
   3. Act as a liaison between Financial Aid and external loan participants
   4. Verify student eligibility
   5. Process need based analysis for loan participants
   6. Maintain accurate loan disbursement documentation
   7. Assist in default management communications
   8. Maintain computerized recordkeeping
   9. Prepare reports as required.
3. Assist with enrollment day activities.
4. Manage day-to-day office administration (typing, mailing, filing, copying, faxing, purchase order generation, answering phones, receptionist duties, etc.).
5. Participate in on-site and off-site training, conferences or webinars as assigned.  Some training sessions may require overnight travel.
6. Provide support for all areas of financial aid in the Director's absence.
7. Maintain courteous, service-oriented and professional relationships with students, parents, employees, and any others interacting with the Financial Aid Office.
8. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student records.
9. Meet with Campus visitors.
10. Generate and analyze reports to review, process, and allocate anticipated financial aid to student accounts in advance of and throughout each academic semester.
11. Conduct comprehensive analyses of student accounts and oversee the accurate disbursement of financial aid to ensure timely and efficient processing.
12. Stay up to date on and adhere to the Department of Education federal regulations regarding awarding, processing, and disbursing student financial aid.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:  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/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Associate or Technical Degree/Certificate preferred. Prior experience in a college financial aid office helpful. Must have excellent computer skills. Must be able to pass background check and may not have defaulted on student loans.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memos. Ability to compose and type routine correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and employees of the organization. Ability to communicate effectively with tact and diplomacy both in person and over the telephone using proper telephone etiquette.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures & amounts such as fees, discounts, interest, grade point averages, percentages, and other costs associated with enrollment, financial aid, book rental, etc. Ability to compute, verify, and compare figures accurately. Ability to detect and reconcile discrepancies in records.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.  Must have excellent organization skills and decision-making ability to handle detailed, multiple tasks for a variety of activities, and be able to work calmly in stressful situations.

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Valid driver's license with no major violations in past five years
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures
• Ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Must demonstrate excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to manage frequent interruptions
• Must be meticulous, accurate, and thorough in completing tasks
• Notary preferred or this will be provided at the beginning of employment

Salary : $18 - $20