Description

Reporting directly to the Financial Aid Manager, the Financial Aid Technician is the first point of contact for students, families, and community members for questions related to Financial Aid and will be responsible for responding to and triaging incoming financial aid communications;

whether by phone, email, or in-person. They will manage and track documentation submitted by students, review student aid applications, and perform verification on student aid applications.

This position will also manage financial aid processes and work on special projects as assigned.

Individuals in this non-exempt / hourly position are expected to be available during the normal business hours of the college, and may occasionally be asked to work non-traditional hours, including holidays and weekends, as needed.

Typical Duties

• Serve as primary point of contact in Financial Aid for students, families, and community members, responding to a high volume of incoming calls, emails, and in-person inquiries
• Triage and escalate inquiries to other members of the Financial Aid team and Student Services as necessary
• Manage document tracking and storage for Financial Aid in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy
• Collaborate with teams across the College to ensure proper administration of financial aid programs; including the verification of eligibility for aid funds and the movement of data between systems to monitor awards.
• Assist with and present financial aid information across the College and in the community
• Perform high school and community outreach initiatives for financial aid, scholarships and financial literacy.
• Handle highly sensitive information and confidential records and materials in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy
• Adhere to college, federal, and state regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations affecting college operations
• Perform other tasks of a similar nature or level as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree
• Two (2) years related experience

Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency and experience working with NSLDS and financial aid management systems (specifically, PowerFAIDS).

Core Competencies

Adaptability and Flexibility- (Beginner level) - Adapts effectively to change by accepting changes in work processes readily and with an optimistic perspective of the resulting benefits.

Does not need too much time to adapt to a new task. Handles new standards and work environments will ease.

• Effective Communications- (Beginner level) - Clearly and convincingly expresses thoughts, ideas or facts orally and in writing in an open, candid and consistent manner.
• Responds appropriately to both written and oral directives in a timely manner. Listens to others with the intent to understand and asks clarifying questions.
• Customer Focus- (Beginner level) - Is respectful to customers, no matter how unreasonable their demands or complaints.

Recognizes opportunities to inform customers of services, anticipates future needs and informs about solutions that meet their needs

Ethics and Integrity- (Intermediate level) - Passes on information consistently and honestly. Treats everybody equally, respectfully and without discrimination.

Guards sensitive information. Gains the confidence of employees and customer by respecting the confidentiality and privacy of their concerns and needs.

Initiative- (Beginner level) - Does more than is required or expected in the job. Anticipates what needs to be done. Achieves results without needing reminders from others.

Takes responsibility for personal development and the realization of objectives. Successfully completes most tasks independently but asks for additional support, as appropriate, when faced with unfamiliar tasks or situations.

Planning and Organization- (Beginner level) - Balances multiple objectives. Plans and organizes work, in advance, working on the highest value tasks first.

Ensures follow through to desired results. Obtains information and utilizes resources effectively. Ensures projects are being completed according to plan and reevaluates, if necessary.

Coordinates work efforts when necessary to produce deliverables.

Problem Solving- (Beginner level) - Takes time to identify and clarify the problem. Knows how to research the problem, e.

g. where to obtain relevant information. Applies appropriate level of analysis to the problem. Formulates alternative or creative solutions to problems.

Solutions effectively address issues and are easily sustainable. Provides information to individuals and teams in a timely manner.

Collaborates effectively with others to solve problems and make decisions.

Reliability and Commitment- (Intermediate level) - Shows commitment, dedication and accountability in one's work, and follows through on all projects, goals, aspects of one's work.

Willingly assists team members when necessary. Willingly receives assistance from team members when the situation arises.

• Tact and Diplomacy- (Beginner level) - Responds to all situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains good working relationships with all constituencies.
• Teamwork- (Intermediate level) - Cooperates with other members to achieve the workgroup's goals. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with peers and campus partners.

Shares accountability in team situations. Assists others, voluntarily, positively, and without controlling or dominating.

Actively participates in team meeting and contributes to team decision making. Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to step out of comfort zone to support team and goals.

Appropriately gives and is open to feedback from team and coworkers. Embraces a shared understanding of team participation roles, responsibilities, and decision making.

Application Instructions

It is the responsibility of each applicant to have all the following documents on file in the Human Resources office by the deadline date in order to continue in the application process for this position.

Application materials will not be returned.

• A complete online employment application form. Please do not state 'see resume' on any part of the application. Blank spaces may be cause for rejection of the application.
• Cover letter addressing the criteria listed in the job announcement and your qualifications for this position.
• Resume or curriculum vitae. Optional, but encouraged.
• Transcripts of all college work. (Unofficial transcripts or photocopies will be accepted to establish the application file.

Official transcripts will be required if the candidate is offered the position.)

Important Notes :

• If any of the above listed materials are missing or incomplete, the application will not be considered.
• Items 2-4 may either be attached electronically to the application or mailed to the address below (position number must be included on all documents) :

Last updated : 2024-02-23