Financial Aid Specialist

Main Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the delivery of student financial aid and the maintenance of student financial aid records.
• Recommends, interprets, and updates financial aid policies, ensuring compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws and contractual regulations.
• Prepares applications and/or proposals for federal, state, and local funds; develops, directs, and implements budgetary controls for funds; and prepares department budget proposals.
• Coordinates financial aid operations with other appropriate departments, including Admissions and student records.
• Researches, analyzes, develops, and recommends departmental processes and procedures to increase and improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.
• Assists with the Financial Aid office response to program reviews and audits.
• Conducts need analysis and determines individual student eligibility for various aid programs.
• Verifies documents and maintains student-generated information used to determine eligibility for financial aid awards.
• Maintains liaison with Federal, state, county, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, and interpret and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid.
• Advises students regarding academic career objectives in relation to financial aid; reviews student's status to determine continuance or increase/decrease of aid.
• Develops updates and presents financial aid information as needed.
• Manages the student loan collection activities and, in collaboration with administration, develops and directs a loan default prevention program.
• Prepares a variety of Financial Aid program-related reports and correspondence as needed.
• Serves on college committees as required or assigned.
• Attends and participates in professional groups, seminars, and/or courses that provide Financial Aid staff development.
• Interact in a positive manner with prospectives, students, staff, and faculty
• Model the CARES philosophy (Collaboration, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, Student-focused)
• Attend graduation ceremonies
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of Federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students; the principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing and advisement techniques; pertinent laws, rules and regulations; systems control auditing processes; and working knowledge of data systems.