Technician, Financial Aid

Description Assist with all aspects of student aid processing; adhere to Federal, State, Institutional and Agency regulations; utilize Electronic Data Exchange for federal aid application processing and the like; functioning as part of the first line of contact for students regarding aid programs, and loan processing using internal and web-based systems to perform necessary duties. Examples of Duties Essential and other responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions:
Develop and utilize wide range of knowledge pertaining to all aspects of student aid, including adherence to all required policies and procedures governing Title IV Aid, State Aid, and Institutional Aid. Perform considerable data entry functions related to student financial aid data in a variety of internal and external web-based systems, such as the College's software system, and the U.S. Department of Education's web-based system for federal aid application (FAFSA) processing; including various web-based applications for loan processing, and other financial aid related data systems. Assist with other aspects of student packaging and enrollment verification, including assisting Director, Financial Aid in reconciling data between systems. Assist students with general aid office inquiries, and assist aid officers in determining eligibility for types of aid; assist with monitoring and determining student satisfactory academic progress; suggest alternatives to ineligible students Assist with certifications of NC Funds on NC State Educational Assistance (NCSEAA) website. Provide initial information or instructions regarding steps to request an alternative loan, work-study or scholarships; have understanding of aid program regulations. Provide information regarding financial aid benefits to current and prospective students. Provide students with the steps and documents required to request special consideration. Develop an understanding of financial aid processes, and maintain duties related to financial aid processes, including importing of data, printing, scanning, sending letter and email communications, and exporting of data. Create and maintain student files; confirm and insure accuracy of student enrollment status, progress, and program eligibility related to federal, state, private, or institutional funds. Track applicant files for missing high school documentation, appropriate academic program; assist Director, Financial Aid with data collection for financial aid reports. Marginal Functions:
Serve on institutional committees as appointed. Participate in professional development activities and required employee training  Perform other duties as assigned. This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. The President or appropriate supervisory personnel may assign additional duties. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title with or without notice. Qualifications and Working Conditions Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a campus financial aid program. The mission, goals and objectives of CCC&TI. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Safe work practices and procedures. Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Current trends, research and development in the area of assignment. Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regula­tions Ability to:
Interpret and explain college financial aid policies and procedures. Contribute to the development of academic mission, goals and objectives which complement those of the college. Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Environmental Conditions:

The employee should have the ability to effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve an office and classroom workspace, working closely with others, and periodically working irregular hours.

The employee must maintain the office and teaching environments by maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring overall cleanliness, functionality, and conformance to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment.

Physical Conditions:

Physical and marginal functions require the ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following; standing, walking or sitting for extended periods, moderate lifting and carrying, reaching above shoulder, general manual dexterity, operating assigned equipment, and extended exposure to computer screens.

The employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others, and handling varied tasks simultaneously.

Additionally, the employee must maintain mental capacity, which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, demonstrating intellectual capabilities, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and personnel.

Scheduling Conditions:

This is a full-time, 12-month position, which requires the employee to be on campus or at an approved alternate location for at least thirty-six hours per week, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm, including one evening per week till 7:00 PM. This position generally works daytime hours but has the potential for occasional evening or weekend hours.

Traveling Conditions:

Local travel between the Caldwell campus, Watauga campus, or any off-campus sites may be needed. Out of state travel is limited but may be required for training and conferences.

Experience and Training Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible administrative or staff experience in financial aid or related field required. Proficiency in MS Office required. Training:
Associate degree required from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred.

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