Financial Aid Specialist

Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist Campus Location: Walters State Community College Job Purpose: The Financial Aid Specialist; is responsible for processing and verifying information needed to provide financial aid for students attending Walters State Community College.
The incumbent reviews and analyzes information provided by students and assesses the accuracy of the information on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Reviews, verifies and inputs student information in the Central Processing System for posting in Banner, Walters State’s ERP system; conducts data entry of documents that are required for processing of student financial aid applications; reviews information for accuracy and completeness; and manages and maintains student financial aid records.
Essential Job Functions: Responsible for reviewing supporting documentation submitted by students for accuracy and completion; processing, verifying and posting application corrections to student financial aid applications through the Central Processing System (CPS); auditing corrections made by other processors; reviewing FASFA updates/changes submitted by students for discrepancies and, if needed, requesting additional information, or selecting student for verification per Federal regulations.
Reports and maintains identity verification results in CPS; enters student data into ERP system.
May submit/retrieve electronic data.
Provides customer service to students, faculty, and staff via emails, phone and in-person office support concerning all aspects of financial aid; communicates with departmental coworkers and staff located on other Walters State campuses on matters involving collecting information pertaining to aid, resolving discrepancies; downloads, and files verification documents into student accounts; and notifies students and parents about the student’s status and/or any program changes.
Manages and maintains student documents in Banner Data Monitoring System; reviews and downloads student appeals and other professional judgment documentation; and provides student information to assist the Appeals Committee.
Monitors and tracks student enrollment and attendance, ensuring satisfactory academic progress, follows Title IV requirements; works with the Director and the Information and Educational Technologies (IET) Department in developing, updating and maintaining reports, used in collecting data that assist in reviewing student accounts, and evaluating eligibility; monitors all automated software platforms to ensure accurate processing; and alerts the Director and IET if problems occur.
Participates in training programs in order to receive updates on changing federal aid rules and regulations; ensures proper implementation of new regulations; helps disseminate new information to students, parents, and other offices.
Accompanies Coordinator of State Programs to various high schools to assist students with verification and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Management or related field.
Proficient knowledge and skills in computer applications and data entry.
Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations.
Ability to manage and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and employees.
Ability to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Management or related field.
Prior experience working in financial aid.
Experience working with Ellucian Banner ERP system.
Behavioral Core Competencies: Works effectively as team member to achieve goals and objectives.
Shares information readily with others and listens effectively, showing openness to new ideas Treats team members with dignity and trust and shows respect for others’ race, nationality, gender, age, background, perspectives, experience and style.
Displays a high degree of personal effectiveness; pursues objectives with consistent determination.
Willing and prepared to accept personal responsibility for actions, both positive and negative.
Treats team members with respect.
Willingly responds to requests for assistance from team members.
Respects the College’s rich heritage and historical achievements by embracing important changes that advance the College’s mission while honoring the past.
Exercises discretion and forethought in the efficient utilization of organizational resources, showing respect for the organization’s generous benefactors and supporters.
Leadership & Supervisory: Directs and monitors the work of students and/or temporary workers.
Incumbent has some responsibility for project direction, and/or project administration.
Incumbent works independently most of the time, but supervisor is available for assistance, when needed.
Tasks are structured and often routine.
Written or verbal instructions are closely followed.
Environment and Working Conditions: Working conditions in the office are clean and well-lit; limited interruptions and moderate but constant noise level.
Traveling to various high schools in in the area will cause exposure to varying weather conditions.
Physical Demands (including requirements for travel or working nights/weekends/holidays): Sits at computer for extended period of time utilizing three different monitors and several different software applications, creating the possibility of neck, back, and eye strain.
Moves about office to retrieve documents from printer, taking documents to mail room, etc.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.
Requisition #497155 Posting Closes: Friday, March 8, 2024