Financial Aid Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

As a member of the financial aid counseling team, the financial aid specialist is responsible for management of student accounts, as well as program management for different segments of institutional, federal, and state funding. This position serves the Office of Financial Aid as an experienced first point of contact for counseling students, managing support for key student populations, adjusting accounts for federal compliance, and serving as support for the office communications and outreach.

The salary range for this role is $45,000 – $48,500 and is commensurate with experience.

Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here : COMMUNICATIONS Serves the IIT community regarding any issues pertaining to the financial aid process. This includes in-person student and family appointments, email and phone counseling as well as in-person events. Handles communication with any outside organizations required to process student aid, including the Department of Education and other organizations as needed. CUSTOMER SERVICE Excellent customer service required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students. The ability to maintain student confidentiality is essential in this position. Special Schedule Requirements Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelors’ degree required-Prior customer service experience required-Analytical skills required-Good communication skills (written and verbal) required-Bi-lingual preferred Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment-Excellent commitment to diversity and to service the needs of a diverse population-Ability to work with traditional and non-traditional students-Ability to handle multiple tasks-Demonstrated communication, interpersonal and organizational skills along with the ability to function as team player-Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment-Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently-Strong interpersonal skills necessary-Works well in translating financial aid requirements into operational activities supporting overall enrollment efforts-Interacts effectively with peers and superiors to address and resolve issues-Influences management by supplying key data that assists in decision making-Good customer service skills-Ability to handle stress due to pace and volume of work SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY n / a Physical Environment and Requirements Office environment Certifications and Licenses List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. NA Key Responsibilities Key Responsibility Counseling : serve students on the front line as the first point of contact for general questions and counseling. Percentage Of Time 45 Key Responsibility Eligibility Review : monitor accounts for compliance cross-check and assist students in processing aid appeals.-Monitor accounts on a daily basis for over awarding of federal funds. Adjust according to federal and institutional guidelines and communicate / counsel changes with students.-Review reports to keep accounts in compliance with institutional and federal awarding regulations.-Process appeals for students, including but not limited to need based award evaluation and professional judgment for EFC adjustments and recalculations.-Assist students in navigating unaccompanied homeless youth determinations and dependency status reviews. Percentage Of Time 30 Key Responsibility Program Management : serve as a point of contact for special populations served by the office included but not limited to the following : -Counsel veteran students on federal benefits, institutional awards, cost of attendance and processing at university. Work closely with the VA certifying official to meet VA student needs related to financing education.-Counsel ROTC students and maintain accounts with each branch of service each term including the awarding of ROTC funds, institutional awards and federal financial aid. Serve as point person for ROTC students, Student Accounting and branch commanders.-Counsel students unable to complete a FAFSA and process appeals for this population under the guidance of the Assistant Director.-Counsel students receiving the Collins / CPS Scholarship on institutional and federal awards, cost of attendance and processing at university. Work closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions when new students are selected for scholarship each year.-Serve as point of contact for students and families utilizing the Net Price Calculator. Answer questions pertaining to inquiries from calculator usage. Percentage Of Time 15 Key Responsibility Events : represent the university at various events.-Work on several events each aid year to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process.-Presentations required during admission recruitment events and undergraduate and graduate orientation.-Some nights and weekends required for university events. Percentage Of Time 5 Key Responsibility Events : represent the university at various events. -Work several events each aid year to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process. -Presentations required at such events. -Some nights and weekends required for university events. Percentage Of Time 5 Key Responsibility Training : develop training in specialty areas for other staff as needed. Percentage Of Time 5

Salary : $45,000 - $48,500