Financial Aid Specialist

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

SPECIALIST-FINANCIAL AID

Office Locations(s): Main Campus, 1405 Madison St., Shelbyville, TN 37160

Serves all locations of Tennessee College of Applied Technology Shelbyville

DEPARTMENT: Student Services FUNCTIONAL AREA: (G7) Academic/Student Support

JOB FAMILY: Support Staff CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time – Non-Exempt – Hourly

HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (max. 37.5 hrs./wk.) SHIFT: Days, Monday - Friday

DIRECT SUPERVISON FROM: Student Services Coordinator

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) serve as the premier suppliers of workforce development throughout the State of Tennessee. At TCAT Shelbyville, this means we care, we listen, and we encourage. The diverse experience of our employees allows us to grow and inspire one another, to come alongside our students with real-life experience, and to graduate innovative problem solvers back into our communities. The work that we do is an investment that enriches lives every day.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package, including an excellent retirement package from the state of Tennessee, 401K plan with match, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health and dental insurance, tuition assistance and state employee discounts.

Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist reports to the Coordinator of Student Services and works in conjunction with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Shared Services Center. The Financial Aid Specialist performs all financial aid processing functions in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with all applicable institutional, TBR, state and federal regulations, policies and guidelines. He/she is the primary contact for state and federal financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, veteran education benefits, and for providing related information and guidance to students. This position requires travel between TCAT Shelbyville teaching location and financial aid events within the service area.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in a related field from an accredited institution and 3 years of full-time experience in accounting or financial processes within the last 7 years. A comparable combination of education and related employment experience may be considered.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Articulate written and oral communication skills
• Public speaking confidence and enthusiasm
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of work experience in financial aid in higher education.
• Knowledge of Veteran Education Benefit programs, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and other financial aid programs.
• Previous work experience with Banner or comparable student information system.
  
  

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Ability to plan and to work a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening and weekend events.
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office, TEAMs, and basic computer software related to the occupation.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships and to deal tactfully with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability in typing, duplication, filing, preparation of reports, record keeping and numerical accounting skills. Familiarity of income tax forms, financial documents, and transcripts.
• Strong customer service skills; effective oral and written communication skills; and excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to make public presentations in large or small group settings.
• Physical ability to lift 30 lbs. and to move about the facility to perform all occupational duties, with or without accommodation.
• Maintain valid driver’s license and ability to operate a state vehicle to travel within the service area.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Maintain working knowledge of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and aid programs; Dual Enrollment Grant, Federal Work Study, Pell, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), TN Promise, TN Reconnect, and Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.
• Maintain Student Veteran Files, VA catalog, and working knowledge of Post-9/11 GI BILL, Veteran Education Benefits Administration, and TN state specific Tuition Reimbursement Programs.
• Maintain working knowledge of all systems related to financial to aid processing: Banner, eGRands, EDExpress, EDConnect, and Enrollment Manager.
• Disseminate financial aid program information and process steps clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, email, virtual contact, and via the institution’s website.
• Assist current and prospective students with financial aid applications, veteran education benefits, program requirements, and timely completion of process steps.
• Review student applications, evaluate student verification documents, resolve conflicting data, determine financial need, and award aid according to federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Monitor student progress to determine continued eligibility.
• Process veteran education benefits certifications and terminations.
• Review military transcripts and coordinate prior learning assessments with TCAT Shelbyville faculty.
• Work closely with TBR Shared Service Center to compile and submit annual reports including FISAP, IPEDS, Program Participation Agreements (PPA).
• Prepare, submit, and maintain accurate records and reports as may be required by the institution, TBR, as well as local, state, and federal agencies.
• Present information at new student orientations, high school presentations, and FAFSA workshops.
• Provide information and agency referrals for students seeking assistance with remaining need and community services.
• Initiate drawdown requests and assist TBR Shared Service Center with terminations and return of Title IV funds.
  
  

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Participate in in-service training, workshops, and other programs which provide professional growth.
• Assist with graduation and scholarship committees.
• Attend all required staff meetings.
• Other duties as defined by administration.
  
  

TIMELINE: Position will be posted for 30 days. Applications will be reviewed immediately.

SALARY RANGE: $37,866 to $47,332 annually, commensurate with experience and TBR/Tennessee College of Applied Technology salary guidelines.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Background checks will be completed on all new hires. The selected candidate will be asked to sign a background release authorizing TCAT-Shelbyville to complete a background check which includes the following:

Sex Offender Registry Driving History

County Criminal National Criminal Database

Federal Criminal Sanctions and Disciplinary Database

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an AA/EEO/ADA Employer; and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its program and activities. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Andrea Walters, Human Resource Coordinator, 1405 Madison Street, Shelbyville, TN 37160. andrea.walters@tcatshelbyville.edu.