Financial Aid Support Specialist

This position serves as the initial point of contact for students, parents, and the campus community by providing accurate information, resolving routine eligibility issues, and determining appropriate referrals to Financial Aid Coordinators when necessary. This position will also maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations, or the ability to be trained to that level. Track and document daily student interactions, including in-person and virtual appointments, using Navigate or other designated systems.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATIONANDEXPERIENCE

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Work Hours from 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Thurs) 10am-6pm Friday.
• Three years of customer service experience working with a diverse population required, preferably in a community college or higher education setting.
• Associate degree preferred

Criteria

CRITERIA: The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed. Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process. A Resume/CV and cover letter are required with the application. Please ensure that your documents address the criteria listed below for this position.

ESSENTIALDUTIES

• Serve as the first point of interaction for students and parents entering the Student Financial Aid Office, supporting an average of over 800 visitors per month.
• Provide accurate and compliant financial aid information related to applications, eligibility, documentation requirements, and office procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Review and assessing incoming financial aid documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance for more than 15,000 applicants annually.
• Interpret student financial aid records within the Colleague system to address questions, identify discrepancies, and resolve routine issues prior to escalation.
• Assist students with completion of the FAFSA and other required financial aid applications using web-based platforms.
• Complete, certify, and process third-party verification forms, including consortium agreements and Department of Rehabilitation Services forms, etc
• Retrieve, document, and respond to student inquiries received via phone, email, and other communication channels.
• Perform document imaging, indexing, and posting within the Colleague database in accordance with records management and compliance standards.
• Maintain adequate supplies of applications, brochures, and informational materials in public service areas.
• Support institutional initiatives by participating in call campaigns related to registration and enrollment efforts.
• Assist with undeliverable funds reports and related follow-up actions.
• Support and participate in financial aid workshops and outreach activities.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality customer service while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with FERPA and financial aid regulations.
• Perform related duties as required to support office operations and student success.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSANDABILITIES

• Working knowledge of federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, or the ability to acquire this knowledge through training.
• Proficiency in the use of automated systems and databases, including Colleague or comparable financial aid management systems.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to review, interpret, and process detailed financial information accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software applications.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment, as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Job Requirements

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions

OTHERREQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
• As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
• A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment. A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview.

ACCOMMODATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Prince George's Community College provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Accommodation determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ECT department

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus?

Yes