Financial Aid Specialist

Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible to assist students, parents, and internal staff with Williston State College’s Student Financial Aid process and support efficient operations of the Financial Aid office. This position administers student financial aid (FAFSA) processing, Student Aid Reports (SAR) codes, and communications to students regarding checklist requirements.

Responsibilities

• Welcome walk-in visitors and answer student financial aid questions and/or refers to the director or other staff.
• Disseminate information on all financial aid programs to students, parents, and the general public.
• Assist students and parents in obtaining information and completing applications for federal student financial aid assistance.
• Research problem areas with students’ FAFSA applications and awards.
• Resolve conflicting information in student applications, process c-codes, and troubleshoot individual and system problems, including suspended student financial aid (ISIR) files.
• Assist with the verification, eligibility, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid to students.
• Administer federal work-study programs at both on and off-campus sites.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Services to coordinate community outreach for local and regional schools.
• Keep current on federal regulations related to Title IV federal financial aid programs.
• Administer processes in PeopleSoft.
• Assist with the upkeep of the Student Financial Aid section on WSC’s website.
• Attend student financial aid workshops and training sessions. Some travel may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to comprehend requirements around federal, state, and local programs.
• Ability to analyze and present data clearly.
• Strong communication skills with a diverse population.
• Understand and appreciate the sensitivity of the data being handled. Consistently demonstrate an ability to maintain strict confidence around student information.
• Always promote the welfare and best interests of students.
• Demonstrate understanding and acceptance of the mission, values, goals, and objectives of WSC.

Minimum Requirements

• Customer service experience
• Experience using MS Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets)
• Experience working with databases
• Experience in giving one-on-one or group presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of successful, relevant experience in the finance field
• Experience in higher education

For consideration, apply online and attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Professional References – email addresses are required
• Copy of college transcripts
• Applicable licenses

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE: This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and for determining job performance.

Status: Full-time, 12-month position, Exempt

Compensation: $44,000-$50,000 per year, dependent on relevant experience. Excellent benefit package including 100% employer-paid single/family health insurance plan, life insurance, retirement, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount, and more.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

Williston State College is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.