Financial Aid Specialist
Job Description
The Financial Aid Specialist assists with the administration of the financial aid functions at Manatee Technical College (MTC) to include the determination and awarding of aid, with a strong focus on verification and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for monitoring scholarships, grants and adjusting awards due to verification, third-party programs and waivers and ensuring that MTC is meeting the standards set by the Department of Education for the administration of Title IV funding.
This position requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with persons acting under stress, imposed by deadlines, peak workload, or public/student contact. Financial Aid programs include, but are not limited to Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Student Assistant Grant, Federal Work Study, Veteran’s Education Benefits, Bright Futures, and a variety of local/national scholarships.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or approved equivalency diploma.
- Associate Degree preferred.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in secretarial/clerical work
- Two years (2) experience in financial aid preferred.
- Basic knowledge of PeopleSoft/Campus Solutions preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to understand and interpret Federal (Title IV), Veterans’ Educational and state regulations for student financial aid and veterans’ benefits. Knowledge of applicable regulations, rules, policies, and procedures in determining student awards. The position also requires comprehensive knowledge of one of the financial management system Oracle Peoplesoft/Campus Solutions.
REPORTS TO:
Financial Aid Coordinator, Manatee Technical College Director, Manatee Technical College
SUPERVISES:
Federal Work-study students
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform customer service duties via the telephone and in person as needed and provide financial aid information to parents and students.
- Counsel and assist students in the FAFSA application process.
- Counsel Veteran students regarding the procedures for receiving VA Educational benefits.
- Analyze accuracy of data, provided from the completed FAFSA, to determine the extent of financial need and make awards of financial support within the limits set by established policies, rules and regulations; audit and adjust awards on a continuous basis; revies estimates of need as student and/or parents report changes in their financial circumstances.
- Meets with students whose financial aid service needs require special attention and in-depth knowledge of financial and regulations.
- Interpret, and inform students of financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Review income tax information, INS documents, Social Security Administration documents and other financial materials to determine accuracy of application and eligibility status.
- Complete verification of the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) as required by the Department of Education.
- Utilize integrated student information system (Campus Solutions) to award and track financial aid; assign communications to students; run reports and track student Financial Aid information.
- Accesses NSLDS/COD and other secure federal and state web sites.
- Run queries tracking Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for disbursing eligibility, and counsel students regarding possible consequences when in jeopardy of not meeting SAP.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all student information.
- Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
- Keep Coordinator informed of potential problems or unusual events.
- Keep abreast of new Federal and State regulations and policies, ensuring all Federal and State laws are upheld in the awarding, and disbursing of student financial aid.
- Perform a variety of administrative tasks to support the efficient daily operations of the Financial Aid department.
- Accurately maintain student files and document all issues in Campus Solutions notes.
- Adaptability to work alone or within a team.
- Maintain an exceptional ability to organize, prioritize, and multi-task in an extremely dynamic environment. Effective problem-solving skills, and a strong desire to help those who have questions or seek resolutions. Maintain excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Participate in the formation of student aid policies, procedures, and operations.
- Represent the District in a positive and professional manner.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
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