Financial Aid Specialist

Summary of Purpose

Provide information and assist in all aspects of the financial aid process. Perform technical duties in order to accomplish the functions of the Student Financial Resources and Scholarship Department. The employee is expected to work in a multicultural diverse working environment.

Typical Duties

This description is intended to indicate the types of duties and responsibilities requested of the employee assigned this title, it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required:

• Assists in the implementation of new federal and state Financial Aid regulations.
• Knowledge of all federal, state and institutional regulations and policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the financial aid application process for federal, state, and institutional programs.
• Advises/Coaches students from all cultures and social-economical backgrounds, through the process of applying for and receiving student financial aid face-to-face and virtually (Live Chat, telephones, student email box, one-on-one appointments via Zoom or telephone.)
• Facilitates the pre-awarding eligibility determination, Active ISIRS, verification, TIP, F4F/MI Reconnect, Unusual Enrollment History (UEH), any ineligibility issues, etc. Updates daily student file complete dates in Colleague using report generated in Student Forms. Verifies verification codes are correct. Identifies students with ISIRs. Adjusts student self-service checklist if necessary.
• Makes corrections and assists in the verification of student FAFSAs.
• Performs the transmittal review, calculation, and monitoring of all financial aid awards for disbursements.
• Evaluates and processes the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) and N Marks.
• Troubleshoots/Investigates student, federal, state, and institutional inquiries/complaints, to determine resolution or consult with Financial Aid Management for guidance, and compose memos and other relevant correspondence, if needed.
• Assists the Financial Aid Managers with the Communication Management Processing.
• Assists the Financial Aid Managers with the administration of federal, state and institutional aid programs, maintenance of program databases, validating eligibility, Active ISIRS, ineligibility issues, student loan exit counseling completion and follow-up, scholarship awarding, etc.
• Uses technology effectively and efficiently, e.g., Outlook, ACD, federal and state software, Colleague, Communication Management, Student Forms, Scholarship Universe, etc. Utilizes federal and state websites and databases: FAA Access, NSLDS, COD, MISSG, FSA Partner, NASFAA, etc.
• Participates in all training activities necessary to update financial aid knowledge and skills and other relevant professional development opportunities.
• Hires, trains, and directs college student personnel with appropriate approval.
• Assists Veteran students: Answers questions regarding VA benefits and applications. Processes & activates VA educational benefits, verifies enrollment before payment of funds, maintains Veteran records and updates database of active VA students, tracks & reconciles financials for student payments from the VA & debts to the VA, applies payments to student accounts, creates specialized reports from data, & communicates any issues to VA Coordinator if applicable.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

EDUCATION: An earned Associate Degree or higher in Business or related majors.

OR

Any Associate Degree or higher with 16 credits in business related courses

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience in customer service. Two (2) years of experience in Financial Aid preferred.