Financial Aid Processor (Administrative Support Coordinator I, Non-Exempt), Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the Financial Aid Processor provides service assistance to students, parents, and the general public regarding all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Processor is responsible for ensuring that all financial aid documents submitted are accurate and complete to finalize a student’s file. Assignments require the application of both general office clerical knowledge and sound judgment in using the principles, techniques, standards, guides, and skill characteristics of a particular service program or activity. The Financial Aid Processor must exercise extreme discretion and adherence to regulations governing confidentiality and privacy of records, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is mandatory. Provide a high level of sensitivity and maintain a professional demeanor while working with students of varying ages, disabilities, and diverse cultural and financial backgrounds, often in highly stressful and emotionally charged situations.

The Financial Aid Processor will process standard reports to assist in the delivery of financial aid effectively and efficiently to students.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Document Intake/Clerical Duties/Imaging/File Processing/

• Perform a full range of administrative support functions such as scanning all documents received via mail, fax, and the front counter. Responsible for maintaining documents filed to ensure that they are shredded within 30 days of scan date.
• Maintain and update all manuals and instructions for the scanning process when necessary. Responsible for accessing documents that have been scanned upon student request.
• Confirm completeness and accuracy of the permanent financial aid application and record.  The process begins after a student initiates the application process and continues through the duration of eligibility and enrollment. 
• Provide academic program support by tracking and monitoring all appropriate changes to the financial aid record including, but not limited to: name changes, social security number mismatch changes, citizenship status changes, enrollment status, loan defaults, and date of birth corrections. 
• The Financial Aid Processor receives a large volume of documents which need to be matched to electronic application.  It is the responsibility of the Financial Aid Processor to clear any edits or comment codes that require research and documentation.  The multiple work unit responsibilities require the Financial Aid Processor to be accurate and knowledgeable of the policies and procedures applicable to processing these changes correctly and in a timely manner. Accountable for end results.
• Must have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the financial aid PeopleSoft module.

Customer Service/Communication

• This position will provide assistance with Customer Service for students, staff, and faculty as needed. Responsible for fielding questions both in person and over the phone. The Financial Aid Processor coordinates and works with individuals at all levels including students, parents and the general public regarding most aspects of financial aid. This include but is not limited to the application process, federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures that govern the administration of financial aid. Refers students and families to technicians or advisors for questions or situations that exceed the Financial Aid Processor’s expertise. For needs beyond our services, the Processor will direct them to other campus support services for additional assistance and guidance.
• Stay abreast of and successfully apply thorough knowledge of the various federal, state, and system-wide regulations.  
• Has comprehensive interactions with students, parents, and others regarding the various aspects of financial aid processing, such as application completion, filing procedures including all applicable deadlines, application status, eligibility, awarding, disbursement, and the rights and responsibilities of aid recipients.  This interaction takes place on a daily basis via the telephone, counter, or via email. 
• Must be sensitive to and respectful of the diversity of our student population. Behaviors must reflect an awareness and appreciation of individual differences. 
• Present a positive and professional attitude in all interactions.
• Has comprehensive interactions with faculty and staff regarding the application and awarding process, as well as specific student cases.
• Must fully understand the policies and procedures of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to ensure compliance when handling special cases.
• Participates and contributes in departmental meetings, committees and task groups with the hi