Specialist – Financial Aid & Appeals (KC Longview)

Position summary:
This position serves as the initial contact for student aid recipients concerning the entire financial aid process; 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 at the Kilgore College – Longview Campus; responsible for updating PF’s Communications; and performs any other necessary duties for Financial Aid Office as assigned.

Position responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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).
• Reviews student aid applications which are ready for processing, and disseminating information to students, parents, and staff.
• Assists students with the appeal process in Inceptia.
• Schedule and discuss with the student, the Suspension Appeal contract, along with all requirements for successful completion of the appeal contract.
• Notifies students of the Suspension Appeal Committee’s decision on whether to the appeal was granted or denied.
• Maintains and updates student records in the software (PowerFAIDS, Inceptia, and J1). This includes reviewing ‘end of term” satisfactory academic progress and ensuring student’s, who breach a suspension appeal contract are updated properly in regards to financial aid eligibility. Enter comments on the student record for issues regarding the appeal process, documentation, and unsuccessful appeal contracts.
• 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 appeal contracts continuously.
• Provides answers to student questions regarding electronic processes and financial aid, accessKCaid, Direct Loan requirements, and other issues related to data automation; updating documentation submissions
• Has a working knowledge of the imaging system and the daily procedure of scanning and linking documents into the system;
• Participates in the normal office staff meetings, giving input as to annual planning, and assists the Financial Aid Director with special projects as assigned.
• Trains to be knowledgeable regarding student loans, as this requires the staff member to be the back up for Federal Student Loan processing and packaging.
• Other duties as assigned
• 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.

• 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.

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