What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Specialist position at Community HigherEd?
General Function: The Financial Aid Specialist supports the administration and delivery of financial aid to prospective and current students. This position assists students throughout the financial aid process, reviews and verifies documentation, determines and communicates financial aid eligibility, and supports the accurate and timely processing of student aid in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional procedures.
Main Responsibilities
- Assist prospective and current students throughout the financial aid process, including applications, required documentation, and loan processes.
- Review financial aid files for accuracy and completeness and follow up with students regarding missing or additional documentation.
- Determine eligibility and package financial aid in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate and complete financial aid records while protecting the confidentiality of student information.
- Explain financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, awards, and student responsibilities in a clear and student-focused manner.
- Monitor student financial aid status and communicate changes that may affect eligibility or awards.
- Apply established federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures and remain current on regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with Admissions, Student Records, the Business Office, and other departments to support accurate and timely financial aid processing.
- Assist with reports, reconciliations, audits, program reviews, and other compliance activities as requested.
- Identify discrepancies or potential compliance concerns and escalate them to Financial Aid leadership for review.
- Participate in training, professional development, institutional meetings, and graduation ceremonies as required.
- Model the CARES philosophy (Collaborative, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, Student-focused) and perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Financial Aid Specialist
Minimum Requirements: Associate's degree or higher preferred. Relevant experience in accounting, bookkeeping, banking, financial services, or another finance-related occupation required. Previous financial aid and/or Title IV experience is preferred but not required.
Must be organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working with numbers and confidential information, and able to manage multiple deadlines. Strong communication, customer service, and computer skills are required.
Knowledge and Abilities
- Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid programs.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately review financial and student documentation.
- Ability to work with numbers, financial information, and detailed records.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet established deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive student information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to explain detailed processes in an understandable manner.
- Ability to identify discrepancies, research information, and seek guidance when appropriate.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and other departments.
- Proficiency with computers and the ability to learn financial aid and student information systems.