Financial Aid Success Coach

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Financial Aid Success Coach is responsible to the Director of Financial Aid.  The Financial Aid Success Coach acts as an advocate for families as they navigate the world of financial aid.  The goals for this position are to help take the stress and confusion out of the process and help families maximize their financial aid eligibility.  This individual assists in all facets of financial aid programs; performs verification of federal and state applications, assists with the student loan program.  In addition, the individual in this position will also ensure that an inviting and pleasing business environment exists in the financial aid office.  They will assist with a variety of moderate to highly complex administrative functions and projects. The successful candidate will be able to research, plan, organize, analyze and prepare information pertaining to confidential student records. This position will require efficient, effective problem-solving skills and informed communication of federal, state, agency, and institutional policies and procedures to students, parents, faculty and staff.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Provide support to students and parents through the college experience from applying for admissions, advising, tutorial guidance, housing questions, paying the bill, events, graduation, repaying student loans and any other opportunities that may arise.
• Counsel students and parents concerning the costs of college and the programs available to help meet those costs.
• Evaluate and determine the financial need of students applying for aid.
• Complete the federal verification of student files.
• Maintain accurate and complete records regarding aid programs and their recipients.
• Assist with administering the Direct Student Loan Program.  Such duties include all electronic loan processing, funds transfer, loan refunds, and reconciliation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using the Colleague Software System, ImageNow, Dynamic Forms, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) Access to Central Processing System (CPS) and Oracle.
• Develop in-depth expertise of all financial aid processes.
• Become and remain familiar with the rules and regulations of all state and federal programs and ensure that the guidelines are followed.
• Process and award scholarships.
• Prepare and make presentations regarding Financial Aid.
• Support efforts of retention.
• Assist in the overall operation of the Student Financial Aid Office.
• Provide and support strong customer-oriented strategies in the Financial Aid office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Be service-oriented with the ability to pay attention to details in a fast-paced environment.
• Have excellent computer skills with a willingness to learn more.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Have a history of teamwork and customer service.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, effectively multi-task, and use independent judgment. Ability to think critically and problem solve with little supervision.
• Strong judgment, decisiveness, interpersonal skills, and excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Possess a student-centered philosophy while effectively working with students, parents, administrators, staff, and other diverse community groups.
• Valid Texas driver’s license required and the ability to obtain approval to drive college vehicles.
• When a college vehicle is not available, reliable transportation is required for traveling to area high schools, and any location in the district as needed.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree OR high school diploma OR GED equivalency with a minimum of 5 years of financial aid experience.

Preferred:

• Two (2) years of experience in financial aid, office technology, data entry and administrative experience.
• Will consider any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Customer service experience.
• Bilingual in the English and Spanish language.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Variances from regular working hours may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
• Busy working environment with numerous interruptions.
• Required to pass post-offer criminal background and other appropriate testing and not be in default on any state or federal student loans.

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