Specialist - Workforce Pell

Position summary:
This position serves as the initial contact for student aid recipients concerning the entire financial aid process; especially Workforce Pell programs and is responsible for daily professional interaction with students/parents, faculty/staff, other school officials; scans & links documents in the document imaging system for electronic processing; serves as first line of communications between staff, students, and the community; responsible for updating PF’s Communications; Awards, monitors, and manages assigned exemption/waivers to accounts as well as select scholarship/tuition grants; and performs any other necessary duties for Financial Aid Office as assigned.
Position responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary administrator for Workforce Pell Grant programs at Kilgore College.
• Calculate and award Workforce Pell Grant funds in accordance with Formula 4 funding requirements and federal regulations.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of Workforce Pell Grant programs to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system daily to review Pell Grant awards for students receiving Workforce Pell funding, identify and resolve multiple reporting notifications, and originate and disburse Workforce Pell awards.
• Process student withdrawals and Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations for Workforce Pell recipients and provide backup support for Academic Pell Grant withdrawal and R2T4 processing.
• Serves as an initial contact for financial aid office to answer routine questions from students/parents, faculty/staff, and other schools /government offices in person, by email, and by telephone about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, need analysis, and costs of attendance.
• Reviews student financial aid applications and provides accurate and timely information to students, parents, and staff regarding financial aid programs, requirements, and procedures.
• Explains to students/parents and faculty/staff the way in which the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy affects student eligibility for current or future funding with accuracy and professionalism.
• Provides answers to student questions regarding electronic processes and financial aid, access KC aid, and other issues related to data automation; updating documentation submissions.
• Provide support to students through KC STAR virtual meetings by logging into Zoom for scheduled appointments and addressing financial aid questions, explaining policies and procedures, and ensuring individuals are accurately directed to the appropriate department or personnel when additional assistance is required.
• Educate students on how to access and use student portals, online forms, document upload tools, and financial aid tracking systems.
• Has a working knowledge of the imaging system and the daily procedure of scanning and linking documents into the system;
• Provide clear, consistent communication regarding deadlines, documentation, policy changes, and steps in the financial aid process.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of student information in compliance with FERPA and institutional policies.
• Participates in the normal office staff meetings, trainings, and giving input as to annual planning, and assists the Financial Aid Director with special projects as assigned.
• Assist the Financial Aid Office with special projects, peak processing periods, and enrollment initiatives as assigned. Including support campus outreach events, including FAFSA nights, orientation, recruiting events, and registration rallies.
• Provide backup support during high-traffic periods and special campus events.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Adapt to on-going federal changes in regulations and be equipped to explain them.

Other Responsibilities:

• Run routine errands on and off campus to the print shop, business office, to Kilgore Campus for staff meetings, etc.
• Attend necessary training and development to remain current in the field, as required.
• Act as liaison for the financial aid office, with excellent public relation skills in answering daily questions.
• Will need to work some evenings during Registration and some Saturdays during the summer for KC STAR Days.

Minimum Position Requirements:

• Associate degree in Office Professionals or related field. Extensive related work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Excellent computer skills required.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to handle high level of stress.

• 0 Full-Time Direct Reports    0 Part-Time Direct Reports

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office and classroom environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Benefits and Perks

• 36-hour work week for a healthy work life balance as well generous paid leave time.
• Health, life, and income protection insurance are provided.
• An excellent retirement program through the Teacher Retirement System.
• Full Time employees have free use of the college’s recreational/fitness facilities.
• Full Time employees are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) after 10 years of service.
• Tuition scholarships are for the employee and dependents. 
• Compensation for this 12-month position is $38,208.

Kilgore College does not participate in the federal Social Security program.