What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Coordinator position at Tri-County Technical College?
Job Responsibilities
Are you passionate about education and eager to make a difference in the lives of students? Tri County Technical College is looking for dedicated professionals to join our dynamic team! As a leader in higher education, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive environment where both employees and students thrive. Work alongside a diverse group of staff, faculty, and administrators who are dedicated to student success. Be a part of a forward-thinking institution that values creativity, inclusivity, and excellence. If you are ready to contribute to the success of our great institution and grow your career apply today! We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who are committed to excellence in education.
This position requires a significant breadth and depth of financial aid knowledge that spans all aspects of financial aid counseling, processing, and eligibility determinations. The employee operates with high-level skills in communication, collaboration, data processing, and computer literacy. This position will leverage their expertise in financial aid to ensure compliance and provide excellent counseling services to all students and parents. Position will require working beyond 40 hours per week during peak periods. Position must maintain the balance between high ethical standards in applying the regulations and being student/customer service focused. Some overnight travel is required. Function with general supervision by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. The successful candidate must be able to interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations to make independent decisions to ensure compliance with regulations, policy, and procedures.
Job Duties:
- Responsible for a substantial case load that provides life-cycle processing for their cohort of students. These processes require significant breadth and depth of financial aid knowledge related to packaging, verification, loans, SAP, professional judgments, State Aid, pell LEU, UEH, default or overpayment issues, student eligibility, and citizenship review.
- Counsel and assist students and parents in all aspects of student aid eligibility, application, renewal, and financial planning and assistance. Be an effective counselor by being a good listener and communicator. Educate students and parents on regulations, policies, procedures, and processes so that every student understands why we must do certain things and make certain decisions.
- Complete proactive student and academic division outreach. This includes everything from: supporting FAFSA completion, student outreach, high school nights, orientation, Leading EDGE, GradFest, and in class presentations, and being a partner with academic divisions, serving on student success teams, and regularly attending specified academic division meetings.
- Review, recommend, and be project manager for any necessary policy, procedure, and process improvements related to the administration of your assigned area: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Direct Loans, State Aid, Federal Workstudy (FWS).
- Be Financial Aid lead advisor, understanding the regulations and available resources surrounding one of the following areas: • Website, consumer information - Manage the departments public website, routinely monitoring and updating to ensure accuracy, compliance and ease of use. • Entrance, Exit and In-Grace counseling - Manage and coordinate all entrance, exit and in-grace counseling outreach efforts, ensuring timely completion, and take the lead on any student events related to entrance, exit and in-grace efforts. • TC Cares and SC Thrive - Partner with student engagement and be Financial Aid lead advisor with TC Cares and SC Thrive, demonstrating understanding, knowledge, and patience in working with under resourced and underrepresented student populations. • Undocumented and Homeless students - Be Financial Aid lead advisor and liaison, demonstrating understanding, knowledge, and patience in working with under resourced and underrepresented student populations.
- Support, develop, and deliver the financial literacy programing of the Money Management Center. Provide appropriate financial aid knowledge to departments located within the One Stop Matrix Management System so that the system, staff, and students can be served in the most efficient manner possible. Participate in professional development and cross training activities both on and off campus. Serve on college committees and perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Bachelor's degree and experience with higher education, federal and state financial aid laws and regulations, and student information systems. In lieu of financial aid experience and knowledge, may have experience with case management and federal and/or state regulation compliance in another type of environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preferred knowledge and experience with student information systems (BANNER preferred).
Work in an efficient and effective manner through implementation of college and department policies and procedures. - Utilize critical thinking, creativity, organization, and problem solving skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to provide supportive counseling for a wide range of student problems and concerns.
Additional Comments
Tri-County Technical College offers a comprehensive benefits package for FTE positions that includes, but is not limited, to the following:
- Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance for employee, spouse, and children
- Life Insurance: Basic life insurance and optional supplements life insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid Parental leave
- State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs: 401k with employer contributions.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Team bonding activities/events and professional training programs.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules, 37.5 work weeks and abbreviated Fridays.
