SUMMARY OF WORK:

Financial Aid Specialist I assists the Director of Financial Aid in the administration of the College's financial aid programs. This position adheres to all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, which provide financial support and services to current and prospective students. The Financial Aid Specialist I must be able to manage student employees effectively and must provide oversight in developing their knowledge of the federal and state work-study process. The Financial Aid Specialist I must be able to assist in performing financial aid functions and standard financial aid duties such Loan Processing, Return to Title IV, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Default Management, etc. The Director works closely with all administrative offices on campus particularly Enrollment Management. The Financial Aid Specialist I will assist the Director in working with local communities and assisting with the FAFSA completion including financial aid nights. The Financial Aid Specialist I will be required to work some evenings and weekends. The primary responsibilities of this position include assisting students and families with financial aid options and processing federal, state and institutional financial aid applications under federal, state and college regulations. hourly, classified position.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

• Advise and assist students with financial aid applications and other issues and concerns as they arise.
• Coordinate awarding process of financial aid programs to eligible recipients, inform students of missing information, and inform students if they are not eligible for financial aid programs; financial aid programs include, but are not limited to: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Student Loans, Work Study, Scholarships, etc
• Assist students in submitting required verification documentation to vendor to complete student's financial aid application under federal regulations.
• Conduct financial aid informational presentations to special groups, as requested.
• Help manage due dates for various federal and state reports, surveys, etc.
• Assist in updating financial aid forms, when needed.
• Computer data entry and other related duties as assigned.
• Assist in data load processes.
• Maintain proper records retention policy and documentation of Financial Aid records storage.
• Assist in maintaining an up-to-date Financial Aid operations manual.
• Attend training workshops and conferences to learn and stay current on financial aid regulations and processing.
• Engage with customers utilizing excellent communication skills both oral and written.
• Provide excellent customer service experience.
• Maintain accuracy and pay attention to details.
• Apply critical thinking skills.
• Perform functions with multiple and frequent interruptions; able to work under pressure.
• Able to analyze data, forecast, plan and solve problems.
• Accept and implement change.
• Solve problems.
• Work overtime during peak processing seasons.
• Fulfill the obligations of a Campus Security Authority (CSA) as defined by the Clery Act. (A Campus Security Authority (CSA) is an individual, who by virtue of their college responsibilities and under the Clery Act, may receive and is required to report any criminal incidents brought to their attention to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs so that they may be included and published in the college's Annual Security Report. CSA's are required to complete training on appropriately handling reporting crimes, victim relations and support, and related school policies.)
• Evaluate and administer the satisfactory Academic Appeal Process.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Financial Aid Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's Degree
• Knowledge of the federal student financial aid programs and application process
• A minimum of two (2) years of direct financ and/or tax experience
• Valid Montana Driver's License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 or more years of Financial Aid experience
• Banner Ellucian Experience

Full-time position paying $15.40/hr. Wages Commensurate with education and experience.