Financial Aid Specialist

Main Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the delivery of student financial aid and the maintenance of student financial aid records. 
• Recommends, interprets, and updates financial aid policies, ensuring compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws and contractual regulations.
• Prepares applications and/or proposals for federal, state, and local funds; develops, directs, and implements budgetary controls for funds; and prepares department budget proposals.
• Coordinates financial aid operations with other appropriate departments, including Admissions and student records.
• Researches, analyzes, develops, and recommends departmental processes and procedures to increase and improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.
• Assists with the Financial Aid office response to program reviews and audits.
• Conducts need analysis and determines individual student eligibility for various aid programs.
• Verifies documents and maintains student-generated information used to determine eligibility for financial aid awards.
• Maintains liaison with Federal, state, county, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, and interpret and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid.
• Advises students regarding academic career objectives in relation to financial aid; reviews student's status to determine continuance or increase/decrease of aid.
• Develops updates and presents financial aid information as needed.
• Manages the student loan collection activities and, in collaboration with administration, develops and directs a loan default prevention program.
• Prepares a variety of Financial Aid program-related reports and correspondence as needed.
• Serves on college committees as required or assigned.
• Attends and participates in professional groups, seminars, and/or courses that provide Financial Aid staff development.
• Interact in a positive manner with prospectives, students, staff, and faculty
• Model the CARES philosophy (Collaboration, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, Student-focused)
• Attend graduation ceremonies
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities 

Knowledge of Federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students; the principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing and advisement techniques; pertinent laws, rules and regulations; systems control auditing processes; and working knowledge of data systems.

Financial Aid Specialist

Minimum Requirements:  Associates degree or higher preferred. Experience in accounting, bookkeeping, banking or other finance related occupations required. Financial Aid and or Title IV experience is a plus. Must be organized, numbers-oriented, able to meet deadlines, possess excellent communication skills, attention to detail, stellar customer service, and above-average computer skills.

General Function: The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for packaging Financial Aid for prospective students and the delivery of funds and services to students, including assisting current and prospective students with their loan applications. Assist with accounting operations, budget preparation, preparation of federal, state and district reports, maintenance of federal fund budgetary controls and regulatory compliance. Learn state and federal regulations; maintain compliance with all federal, state and local regulations governing student aid programs.