Financial Aid Specialist

Position summary:
This full time 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, handles compliance with federal guidelines, supervises work study students, reviews appeal packets for completion, schedules appointments and explains the Appeal contract upon signing by the student, updates J1 and PowerFAIDS software correctly and in a timely manner. This position will assist with verification of FAFSA’s selected by the Department of Education and will perform any other necessary duties for the Financial Aid Office as assigned.


Position responsibilities:

• 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.
• Provides information to students in regards to the “pending or complete” status of the student’s FAFSA application, receipt of required documents and forms, and provides a time frame in which to expect the Award Letter (file completion).
• Notification to students of the Suspension Appeal Committee’s decision on whether to the appeal was granted or denied.
• Schedule and discuss with the student, the Suspension Appeal contract, along with all requirements for successful completion of the appeal contract. 
• Maintain and update students records in the software (PowerFAIDS 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, Direct Loan requirements, and other issues related to data automation;
• Learn and utilize the Docubase Imaging System and the daily procedure of imaging 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.
• Supervises, trains, and works with the work study students on the Financial Aid front counter and notifies Director of any upcoming scheduled time-off. Schedule and ensure trainings are completed for all work study students including new and ongoing online training. Update and disseminate all information regarding Financial Aid from staff meetings, to the work study students, to ensure they have current and up to date information at all times. Schedule work study meetings on a regular basis.
• Submit weekly reporting and monthly reconciliation as requested by Director for all staff.
• This position will be the communications liaison between the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, students, and staff. This position will assist with Virtual Advising.
• This position will also assist with the work study programs, as the back-up person.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Position Requirements:

• Associate degree earned or in progress in Office Professional or related field.  Customer service experience preferred.
• Computer skills required.  Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently, and show excellent multi-tasking skills.
• Must be able to handle high levels of stress.
• Must be organized, confidential, expedient, tactful, patient, detail oriented, and even tempered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office and classroom environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Position responsibilities:

• Provide resources for safe operation of units