Appeals Specialist Financial Aid - Temp PT

Position Details:

This temporary position serves as the initial contact for student aid recipients concerning the entire financial aid process; is responsible for daily personal interaction with parents, faculty/staff, community, and other school officials; compliance with federal guidelines is imperative; supervises work study students, reviews appeal packets for completion, schedule appointments and explain the Appeal contract upon signing, update J1 and PowerFAIDS software correctly and in a timely manner and performs any other necessary duties for the Financial Aid Office as assigned.

Responsibilities:

1. Serves as 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.
2. Provides information to students in regard to “pending or complete” status of application, receipt of required documents and forms, and time frame in which to expect the Award Letter (file completion).
3. Reviews Suspension Appeal packets to determine completion status and verify required documentation is sufficient. Notify student if denied due to incompleteness or submit to the Suspension Appeal Committee for a decision on whether to grant or deny appeal.
4. Notify students of decision from Appeal Committee regarding appeal status.
5. Schedule and explain the Suspension Appeal contract to student before students signs the appeal.
6. Explains to students/parents and faculty/staff the way in which the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy affects student eligibility for current or future funding, and reviews student appeals requesting removal of “suspension” standing.
7. Provides answers to student questions regarding electronic processes and financial aid, Direct Loan requirements, and other issues related to data automation;
8. Learn and utilize the Docubase Imaging System and the daily procedure of imaging documents into the system;
9. Participates in the normal office staff meetings, giving input as to annual planning, and assists the Financial Aid Director with special projects as assigned.
10. Works with the work study students on the Financial Aid front counter and notifies Director of any upcoming scheduled time-off.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Run routine errands on and off campus to the print shop, business office, to Kilgore Campus for staff meetings, etc.
2. Attend necessary training and development to remain current in the field, as required.
3. Act as liaison for the financial aid office, with excellent public relation skills in answering daily questions so as to allow aid counselors time to process files.
4. Will work no more than 29 hours per week.

 Minimum Qualifications:

1. Excellent computer skills required.
2. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
3. Must be able to handle high level of stress.

Salary Range & Fringe Benefits:

• The rate of pay is $15 per hour
• Worker’s compensation
• Participation in the retirement program through Teacher Retirement System of Texas 
• Works up to 29 hours per week

Kilgore College does not participate in the federal Social Security program. As a result, employees/retirees of the college are subject to the federal Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and possibly the Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws. For information on the WEP and the GPO, visit the Social Security Administration's website at http://www.ssa.gov/gp

Kilgore College is a two-year, comprehensive public community college with a campus in Kilgore and an extension center in Longview, Texas. With approximately 6,000 students, Kilgore College is a student-centered institution characterized by excellence in teaching and quality learning opportunities. Kilgore College is focused on continually improving their students’ holistic experience leading them to success in life while improving access to higher education and partnering with those who advance the vision of a stronger community culturally, socially and economically.

Vision Statement: We commit to be the higher education institution of choice in Northeast Texas.

Positions will remain open until filled. Teaching positions will be required to submit official transcripts upon an offer of employment. An offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Federal law prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens. All persons hired must submit satisfactory proof of employment authorization and identity within three (3) days of being hired. Failure to submit proof within the required time shall result in immediate employment