Financial Aid Technician

We are seeking a highly skilled Financial Aid Technician to join our team at Navajo Technical University. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the financial aid website, supporting the technical aspects of PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar, and processing FAFSA records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with setting up and testing new PowerFAIDS releases and updates.
• Design and execute solutions for common challenges within the financial aid software.
• Build reports as requested by financial aid and other areas.
• Provide technical PowerFAIDS/Jenzabar support for financial aid staff and serve as the primary subject matter expert for the software databases.
• Create and maintain training materials and user documentation.
• Communicate process changes, enhancements, and modifications to management, peers, staff, and other employees.
• Maintain data integrity and security, handling and privacy best practices.
• Assist with the identification, evaluation, and selection of various technology applications to support the organization and the delivery of programs.
• Deliver training as needed to various on-campus groups or individuals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Information Technology and Financial Aid in support of system issues.
• Assist with entering foundation, departmental, and external scholarships.
• Assist with compiling federal and state-mandated reports, including Institutional Reports.
• Serve as Destination Point Administrator (DPA) for the University and maintain access to FAA Access to CPS Online, COD, NSLDS, EDConnect, and other online portals.
• Operate the Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) software to download Institutional Student Information Records (ISIR) on a weekly basis or as needed.
• Assist with weekly disbursement of financial aid.
• Assist with the reconciliation of student aid, grants, and scholarships.
• Assist with Annual Compliance Audit.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in business administration, Information Technology, accounting, or a closely related field.
• Four years performing financial aid in a college or university setting, including two years that included technical review and processing of financial aid applications.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions, or transfers of individuals into this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, and procedures of technical financial aid accounting and budget control record management.
• Organization and planning methods, trends, techniques, and practices.
• Advanced operations, services, and activities of a college financial aid office.
• Methods and techniques of financial aid disbursement and scholarship administration.
• Various financial aid programs, policies, grant, and systems.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to financial aid.

Ability to:

• Make complex arithmetical calculations and verify the results.
• Advise, evaluate, and award financial aid.
• Interview and gather information related to financial aid eligibility from students.
• Interpret and explain complex financial aid policies and procedures.
• Work with students of various backgrounds under stressful situations.
• Analyze and interpret financial aid-related data.
• Maintain complex computer database information.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Respond to complex requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating business computers, phone systems, and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work as a team member in a structured working environment.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk, and stand.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed within an office work environment.
• Travel to other campuses and sites may be required.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required.
• Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.