Financial Aid Specialist-Verification

Responsibilities

• Cook up resolution of conflicting information between application for aid and supporting documentation.
• Analyze and evaluate information and make financial aid decisions based on information reported on student applications.
• Interpret federal income tax returns as they apply to student eligibility.
• Verify/validate the accuracy of the financial and family information submitted by students.
• Assess the need, determine, authorize, and monitor the eligibility of students and award aid according to federal and state rules and institutional policies and procedures.
• Recalculate or adjust awards, as needed.
• Advise prospective and enrolled students and parents concerning loans according to state and federal regulations.
• Advise students regarding the resolution of complex individual financial aid problems.
• Determine eligibility for federal, state, college, and other aid programs in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and other governing criteria.
• Work with outside agencies as appropriate.
• Processes DVR training grants and serve as the main financial aid DVR contact person.
• Certify and award Alternative Education Loans.
• Cook up financial wellness, including education of the Direct Lending and alternative student loan programs.
• Advises students about loans, default prevention management, loan certification, and consolidation.
• Create and maintain educational materials regarding student loans.
• Manage and facilitate entrance and exit counseling with students, which includes an emphasis on financial literacy and debt management.
• Update borrowers on the status of their risk of default.
• Research federal and state regulations and District policy for procedural changes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable loans and regulations by monitoring an up-to-date library and by implementing the rules as required.
• Determine and process Promise Scholar Stipends and serve as the main financial aid contact person.
• Serve as backup to the other Financial Aid Specialists.
• Train employees and work-study students in the proper application of regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field.
• Three years of related work experience to include higher education such as student services, financial aid or admissions.
• Ability to compile and prepare detailed reports.
• Experience with student information systems.
• Considerable knowledge of financial aid regulations, procedures, methods, and terminology, including grant programs, work-study, and veterans.
• Advanced accounting skills and sound math skills.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and software applications, including Microsoft Office 365 (Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently with little supervision and make sound decisions with minimal direction.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize special projects with routine assignments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate clearly and effectively with end users, colleagues, and management to provide a complete and timely explanation of issues and decisions to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work; analyze information, resolve problems and make recommendations.
• Knowledge of continuous and performance improvement concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations by promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that is respectful and accepting of diversity.

Benefits

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