Information Processing Specialist (Financial Aid)

We have an opening for an Information Processing Specialist (Financial Aid) at our Chattanooga State campus!

Our Purpose - We support and empower everyone in our community to learn without limits.

Our Values: 

We cultivate a welcome and supportive environment.

We care about the well-being of each other.

We instill trust through integrity and transparency.

We encourage fearless innovation and resilience.

We collaborate to build a better future.

Our Mission - We are Chattanooga State, a dedicated team that delivers accessible, innovative learning opportunities that surpass expectations.  Together, we enrich the lives of students, and their families; develop a talented workforce; and partner with our community to lead boldly into the future.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Information Processing Specialist position is the primary point of contact for students submitting documentation to the Office of Financial Aid including documentation for appeals, verification, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VOC Rehab), Housing Authority and Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA). The Information Processing Specialist is responsible for the review of daily documents being received, citizenship status, and unusual enrollment verification. The Information Processing Specialist serves as the liaison with state agencies (THEC/TSAC) and utilizes the FAST student information system for entering Cost of Attendance and award information for Voc Rehab payments. The Information Processing Specialist processes Return to Title IV for both the credit and TCAT students. In addition, the role maintains extensive knowledge of federal and state eligibility, and college financial aid requirements, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Holistic Student Support

• Serve as primary liaison between students submitting documents, staff and faculty on campus receiving documents, other institutions and students with consortium agreements, and Office of Financial Aid
• Daily monitoring of documents received and indexed to BDM with timely responses to and communications with students and parents (within FERPA guidelines)
• Builds positive working relationships with colleagues in other Chatt State offices and the students.
• Advise students and families and answer questions related to aid eligibility requirements, missing or incomplete documentation, and aid status for all types of students as part of the Financial Aid Office’s customer service rotation.

Fiscal Stewardship

• Ensure accurate reporting of Voc Rehab, Housing Authority, and WIOA
• Ensure accurate indexing of documentation to students’ files
• Ensure accurate processing of Return to Title IV
• Adheres to consistent, accurate policies, procedures, and processes for documentation and eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Develops and adheres to consistent, transparent business practices, both within the Financial Aid Office and in collaboration with outside offices.

Organizational Culture

• Collaborate with Office of Financial Aid for consistent messaging to students
• Establishes clear communication channels with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies
• Coordinate with other Financial Aid staff to maintain constant coverage of escalations and emails from other offices on campus
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and respectful team culture focused on shared goals, continuous improvement, and high-quality student service.
• Engage in ongoing professional development

Program Innovation

• Provide input regarding compliance and processing
• Develop innovative approaches to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Evaluate changes in financial aid regulations and adjust internal processes to maintain compliance while optimizing operational efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND WORK CHARACTERISTICS

• Effective time management and prioritization of job demands
• Attention to detail and understanding of data analysis, mathematical & financial computations, and identifying/resolving data discrepancies
• Ability to work collaboratively and establish positive, productive working relationships
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Demonstrates continuous learning and improvement in knowledge of and compliance with state regulations, technical processes, and professional development
• Works independently, with minimal supervision, meets goals and deadlines