Financial Aid Assistant

Parkland College

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is an on-campus, full-time, 12-month appointment based in Champaign, Illinois covered by the Professional Support Staff (PSS) Union with an annual salary of $38,646.40. The Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for the management of the front counter area, answering incoming phone calls and e-mails to help screen students and determine their next course of action. The Assistant will supervise Federal Work-Study Student Assistants and perform duties to assist the Director, Associate Director and other department staff. The Financial Aid Assistant is on a schedule established by the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services. Overtime or an altered work schedule may be required. The position involves access to and handling of confidential records and information. The Assistant must be able to effectively supervise student assistants and work with the public in a high volume environment with minimal supervision, frequent interruptions, and simultaneous tasks.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of customer service or professional office experience.
Organized, adaptable, and efficient, with a professional approach and the ability to perform under pressure.
Skilled in working with diverse individuals and managing a range of situations, including challenging or stressful environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office software with the ability to learn the Parkland information system, the departmentally related software applications and adapt to new programs as technology progresses.
Must either not be a SURS annuitant or must be willing to suspend his/her SURS annuity upon employment (with exceptions for SMP or lump sum payment recipients).

Responsibilities

Manages front counter operations; responds to incoming calls and emails to assess student needs, determine next steps, and reduce advisor traffic while improving office efficiency.
Keep abreast of Federal and State rules and regulations pertaining to financial aid, as well as Parkland and the Financial Aid Office’s policies and procedures.
Ensure that each student’s financial aid status is correctly assessed and give appropriate guidance in regard to timely and efficient completion of all requirements that would affect the delivery of their financial aid.
Assist in the training and supervision of student workers.
Collaborate with Director, Associate Director and other staff to increase effectiveness of financial aid procedures and processes with students.
Other duties as assigned.