Position Summary

The primary function of the Financial Aid Specialist is to assist students and families in applying for financial aid. This role serves as the primary contact for current and prospective students requesting information or needing help with the financial aid application process. Additionally this role is responsible for the administrative financial aid processing, such as reviewing documents, resolving student eligibility issues, managing the Federal Work-Study Program and serving as a Veteran School Certifying Official.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a primary contact for students and families requesting financial aid assistance via phone, email, virtually, face-to-face and group information sessions.
• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid, scholarships, program costs, budgeting, and financial literacy.
• Manage the Federal Work-Study Program. Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure student eligibility for work-study placement. Process student employment applications, process student earnings, track FWS expenditures. Act as a liaison for off-campus student employment placement and responsible for maintenance/renewal of off campus contracts.
• Assist with the Professional Judgement/Special Circumstances process, working closely with students and families to gather documentation and evaluate eligibility adjustments on a case by case basis, in alignment with federal and institutional policies.
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Appeals process, send notifications to students and monitor academic plans.
• Serve as a School Certifying Official to recipients of Veterans Education Benefits.
• Complete annual VA SCO training to remain current on VA policy and procedure.
• Develop, maintain, and update an effective communication plan to include the financial aid webpage, publications, outgoing email notices, student reminders and catalog updates.
• Perform verification review of applications for individual students in accordance with federal regulations to determine student eligibility for Pell Grants.
• Maintain knowledge and compliance of Federal and State Title IV programs.
• Assist with programs, reports, tasks, and other responsibilities in the Financial Aid Office as requested.
• Maintain Financial Aid Office inventory supply and order supplies as needed.
• Maintain and update Financial Aid Specialist Procedures manual as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information contained in student academic, financial aid, and VA files in all formats.
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities and utilize information to enhance performance of assigned duties.
• Serve on college committees as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate work hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Student Services and/or the President.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage private information in a professional and confidential manner.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to learn basic statistical skills/experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Two years of full-time experience working in a professional office.
• Computer skills, including effective use of Word and Excel.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Work experience in a postsecondary Financial Aid Office with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Experience working with Ellucian Banner.

Application Procedures/Additional Information

• Completed ESCC Application for Employment
• Current resume
• Copy of transcript showing degree and date conferred
• A cover letter of application specifically detailing and relating the applicant’s education, and experience to the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of the position.