Financial Aid Coordinator (Johnstown)

Job Scope

The Financial Aid Coordinator helps current and prospective students access financial aid resources and understand how to manage their loans by providing accurate information and interpretation of the rules, regulations and application procedures for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other financial aid programs available to students and their families. This position assists in the overall operation of the financial aid department and works collaboratively with other student service departments.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Present at Open House/Orientation and other school events.
• Assist students by answering questions about the financial aid application process and provide guidance on financial aid options.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid opportunities offered by the institution, as well as federal, state, and alternative funding.
• Explain federal, state, and institutional policies as they relate to financial aid eligibility.
• Completes proactive auditing to identify students who are unable to be packaged and completes follow-up via phone and e-mail to resolve packaging issues or discrepancies.
• Update document tracking with all paperwork received.
• Review ISIRs for accuracy and conflicting information, based on federal guidelines.
• Assist students and parents via phone, email and in-person.
• Responsible for promptly responding to phone calls and e-mails from students and families.
• Send reminders to students for all types of missing financial aid documents.
• Keep current on regulatory updates by attending webinars and training.
• Help revise financial aid marketing materials and online documents and information for each new financial aid year.
• Completes reporting as needed.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours are required.
• Serve as the backup Veterans Affairs and Certifying Official.
• Attendance at all mandatory meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Direct Reports

• None

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able have the knowledge, skills, and abilities 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:

• Associate degree in Finance, Management, Accounting, Marketing, or related field required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience & Knowledge:

• Three years of related experience and/or training required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in higher education financial aid is strongly preferred.
• In lieu of education requirements, 5-10 years of related experience in higher education may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Jenzabar is preferred but not required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Criminal background clearance.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk, see or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to type, write, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may occasionally have to stoop or kneel.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• 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.

Work Environment:

• Typical office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level.

Important Note

• This is a full-time bargaining unit Support Staff position.
• All newly hired staff employees will serve a probationary period of three (3) months. During the probationary period, staff employees will be required to demonstrate fitness for the position.
• All newly hired full-time staff employees will be provided with all the insurance benefits afforded to other full-time staff employees on their first day of employment.

Additional Notes

• Please note that employment applications referencing ‘see resume’ or similar phrases are considered incomplete and may not be considered.
• Please do not call to inquire about the status of your application. Only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.
• Employment is contingent upon submission and satisfactory review of any background check clearances as may be required by Pennsylvania Act 153. Please refer to our Pre-Employment Background Check Information page for more detailed information.
• Successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for any position now or in the future.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College promotes a drug-free workplace.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.