Financial Aid Specialist (Restricted Funds) (Multiple Positions)

About the role

This classification is responsible for coordination of assigned specialized program implementation and outreach tasks in support of Financial Aid programs. The work has technical aspects requiring the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and regulations and involves frequent contact with students, faculty, and outside organizations.

Responsibilities

• Performs the full range of routine to complex specialized duties involved in processing and evaluating application materials and funding of financial aid opportunities to eligible students.
• Verifies initial and continuing eligibility of students who have applied for or been granted financial aid and informs affected students of their status; resolves issues related to overpayments, concurrent enrollment.
• Calculates Return of Title IV Aid, including adjustments as defined per regulatory changes and federal updates and other financial aid issues for example Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Pell usage in a timely manner.
• Assists with monthly, quarterly, and year-end reconciliation of financial aid program accounts.
• Verifies financial aid files to ensure accuracy of information provided by parents and students on financial aid applications in conjunction with IRS forms, social security records, and various agencies used to determine financial aid eligibility according to federal guidelines and forms.
• Analyzes and reviews applications and required documentation to determine financial need and program eligibility for a variety of federal, state, and College programs.
• Packages financial aid awards using standard needs analysis as defined in Title IV guidelines and in accordance with specific federal, state, and local guidelines; conducts loan entrance and exit interview sessions with students.
• Authorizes and posts loan amounts to student accounts; makes adjustments as needed; reconciles and refunds disbursements.
• Ensures accurate and timely reporting of student and aid information to lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies.
• Assists with planning and organizing outreach activities targeting students eligible for special assistance and/or services.
• Assists with outreach financial aid programs, services, and events through various communication venues and social media; develops flyers, brochures, programs, and other outreach materials.
• Conducts workshops and presentations on various topics related to financial aid programs; creates, develops, and revises workshop materials, handouts, and packets.
• Packages financial aid awards using standard needs analysis as defined in Title IV guidelines and in accordance with specific federal, state, and local guidelines; conducts loan entrance and exit interview sessions with students.
• Authorizes and posts loan amounts to student accounts; makes adjustments as needed; reconciles and refunds disbursements.
• Ensures accurate and timely reporting of student and aid information to lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies.
• Assists with the analysis and reconciliation of student financial aid programs, e.g. disbursements in compliance with federal, state, and College regulations.
• Promotes an environment of belonging as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and accessibility.
• Provides quality customer service when interacting with the public, vendors, students, and College staff, including individuals from minoritized groups.
• Supports and abides by federal, state, and local policies and Board Policies and Administrative Procedures.
• Participates on committees, task forces, and special assignments, including, but not limited to, Screening and Selection Committees and mandated trainings as required.
• Prepares and delivers oral presentations related to assigned areas as required.
• Performs other related or preceding classification duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of supporting a diverse, equitable, inclusive, socially just, antiracist, and accessible academic and work environment.
• Updated regulations and practices in federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including an understanding of the FAFSA Simplification Act and changes in Title IV reporting requirements.
• Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to the development and implementation of financial aid programs.
• Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of presentations, activities, and programs.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the scope of responsibility.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Techiques for effectively representing the College in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techiques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, students, and College staff, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, socio-economic levels and ethnic groups.
• Skills And Abilities:
• Advocate for and communicate the College's vision and commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, socially just, anti-racism, and accessible academic and work environment.
• Participate in addressing gaps in diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and accessibility in the recruitment and retention of staff.
• Participate in providing resources and support towards the goal of a diverse, equitable, inclusive, socially just, anti-racism, and accessible academic and work environment.
• Evaluate and provide input to management regarding improvements to existing Financial Aid processes.
• Present Financial Aid information verbally and in writing to various constituent groups such as students, families, Community Based Organizations for example "What is Financial Aid", "How to File for Financial Aid", "How to Apply for Scholarships".
• Prepare materials for outreach presentations, e.g. gathers brochures, reports, and other related program materials.
• Provide sound advice and coaching to students related to financial aid programs and services.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Conduct research, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner, especially regarding compliance with new financial aid rules and regulations.
• Compose and prepare basic reports, correspondence, and other written materials independently or from brief instructions.
• Makes accurate mathematical, financial, and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Communicate effectively through various modalities.
• Learn and apply emerging technologies and, as necessary, to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
• Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures; understand scope of authority in making independent decisions.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations through ongoing professional development and certifications as listed in the Licenses and Certifications section.

Education And Experience

• An associate's degree or equivalent (total units) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution;
• and Three (3) full-time equivalent years of increasingly responsible financial aid experience, including demonstrated knowledge of current federal and state financial aid regulations.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with policies and procedures relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and accessibility preferably in a minority serving institution such as Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
• ORexperience with participation in programs relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and accessibility preferably in a minority serving institution such as Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).