What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Liaison position at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Posting Summary
Working Title
Financial Aid Liaison
Role Title
Education Support Spec III
Role Code
29144-SW
FLSA
Nonexempt
Pay Band
04
Position Number
296R0058
Agency
Virginia Highlands Community College
Division
Virginia Highlands Community College (Div)
Work Location
Washington - 191
Hiring Range
Minimum starting salary $35,000 commensurate with experience
Emergency/Essential Personnel
No
EEO Category
B-Professional
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
No
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
No
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
The faculty, staff, and stakeholders of Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) enjoy the privilege of serving the individuals of the commonwealth who reside in Washington County, western Smyth County, and the city of Bristol, VA. One of 23 institutions in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), VHCC is a beacon for educational opportunities in view of Mt. Rogers and Whitetop Mountain at Exit 14 on Interstate 81 in Abingdon, VA. With a robust 55-year heritage, VHCC serves students in the service region through Workforce Development a School of Business and Industry, a School of Arts and Sciences, and a School of Biological and Health Sciences. VHCC awards credentials and continuing education courses as well as Associate of Applied Science degrees, Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, certificates, and career studies certificates.
Virginia Highlands Community College is seeking a candidate to fill the role of Financial Aid Liaison. The Financial Aid Liaison, specializing in Pell Grant support, is responsible for assisting Pell-eligible students throughout the financial aid process, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to access and maintain their financial aid. This non-exempt position focus on providing personalized support, improving student retention, and enhancing financial literacy among Pell Grant recipients.
Responsibilities Include:
Financial Aid Counseling:
- Provide one-on-one counseling to Pell Grant-eligible students regarding the financial aid application process—including FAFSA completion, verification, and understanding award packages.
- Assist students in understanding Pell Grant eligibility requirements and how to maintain their aid.
- Work closely with admissions, records, bursar, and academic departments to facilitate a seamless student experience.
Student Support and Retention:
- Monitor academic progress of Pell Grant recipients to ensure compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
- Develop and implement interventions for students at risk of losing financial aid eligibility due to academic or enrollment issues.
- Integrate into college early alert programs as a financial contact for flagged Pell students
- Collaborate with academic advisors as well as student services and academic areas to support student success initiatives.
- Participate or plan campus events such as orientation, open houses, and financial aid fairs.
Financial Literacy Education:
- Conduct workshops and seminars on financial literacy topics such as budgeting, debt management, and responsible borrowing (if applicable at the institution).
- Create and distribute educational materials to help students make informed financial decisions.
Outreach and Communication:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Pell Grant-related inquiries from students, parents, and campus staff.
- Engage community partners/organizations and generally widen the reach of financial aid dissemination in the college’s community
- Community outreach and connection with community partners, may include evenings and weekends
- Proactively reach out to eligible students who have not applied for financial aid or are facing challenges in the process.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
- Maintain accurate records of student interactions, educational and outreach programs offered, as well as other assistance provided.
- Assist in preparing reports related to Pell Grant disbursement, usage, and student outcomes.
- Track College Pell Boost program budget and ensure appropriate recording of expenses
- Set measurable objectives based on local college needs and track progress throughout the year
- Follow guidance and requirements as disseminated by the VCCS Program Coordinator
This position is grant-funded and includes a one-year probationary period for all new hires and transfers. Please note that it is NOT a remote position.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
The Financial Aid Liaison must have skills and abilities in the following areas:
- Knowledge of student barriers and current evidence-based solutions
- Experience working with diverse individuals and groups
- Strong interpersonal skills and effective problem-solving skills
- Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and follow through
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of individuals from underserved populations
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and work effectively with multi-cultural populations that support diversity, cultural understanding and inclusion
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; work in a demanding, fast-paced environment with changing priorities; and adhere to required timelines meeting work priorities and objectives
- Demonstrated proficiency using Office 365, Google Suite, and related applications
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Desire to learn and grow as a professional
- Ability to track program outcomes, set measurable objectives, and work toward those targets
Additional Considerations
- Demonstrated experience in higher education areas such as financial aid, academic/career coaching, or advising
- Experience using tools such as EAB Navigate, PeopleSoft SIS, & Canvas
Operation of a State Vehicle
No
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
Some travel is required.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
CLS_3465P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
12/13/2024
Job Close Date
01/31/2025
Open Until Filled
Agency Website
Contact Name
Human Resources
Email
humanresources@vhcc.edu
Phone Number
276-739-2425
Special Instructions to Applicants
For first consideration for the position, ALL required application materials must be received by 5:00 pm EST on January 24, 2025.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link:
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link:
Additional Information
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
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