Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Specialist provides critical support to the Financial Aid Office, focusing on the review and processing of financial aid paperwork and delivering information to various individuals regarding financial aid, payment plans, and student aid eligibility. This role involves assisting with the accurate processing of all financial aid applications and student loan materials within a highly automated environment.

• Maintain the front counter for all student-facing, in-person activity.
• Provide excellent service to students, their families, outside agency personnel, and members of the college community.
• Assist students with the completion of all aspects of the application for financial aid, ensuring completion through the receipt of a financial aid package.
• Respond in a timely manner to student inquiries through various communication techniques.
• Facilitate in-person and online workshops to assist with FAFSA completion.
• Provide information on financial literacy and other associated topics.
• Counsel and assist prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the FAFSA application process and eligibility for financial aid.
• Provide information on eligibility requirements, application processes and procedures, status of financial aid application and award, and required additional documentation as needed.
• Prepare or assist in the review of student aid applications, including verification, c-flags, and rejects.
• Responsible for the quality assurance and document linking within the imaging system.
• Monitor the academic performance of student aid recipients in accordance with Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations.
• Maintain current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Review and process student loan requests in accordance with federal law and regulations.
• Maintain an alpha caseload to ensure necessary documents are received and conflicting information resolved to ensure aid can be disbursed.
• Run reports as needed.
• Read and interpret federal and state financial aid regulations and guidance.
• Adhere to all office policies and procedures.
• Interact favorably with any third-party vendors.
• Work with grant, loan, and reporting functions within all federal systems, including COD, CPS, and NSLDS, as needed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor and other office staff to ensure successful departmental operations.
• Perform other duties and tasks to support the overall success of the division.
• May involve occasional evening or weekend work.

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriately related field together with one (1) or more years of related experience in financial aid in higher education or a related field.
• Or a combination of education, training, and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position's essential duties.

• Two (2) or more years of financial aid experience, preferably in a community college setting.
• Expertise in student information systems, preferably Banner.