Financial Aid Representative

Blue Cliff College•Gulfport, MS

About The Position

Blue Cliff College is seeking a Financial Aid Representative to help guide students through the financial aid process; analyze and evaluate student financial needs to determine the best course of action; have a thorough knowledge of various federal, state and college financial aid packages and be able to refer potential candidates to the appropriate source; offer information and advice regarding eligibility criteria and responsibilities, help explain policies and provide guidance through the application process; responsible for tracking all financial aid documents during the process.

Requirements

Federal, local and state programs that provide financial assistance to students
Pertinent laws, rules and regulations such as Federal Title IV regulations
Various software programs and data systems as they relate to financial aid
Planning and organizational skills
Effective oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy
Demonstrate analytical, organizational and supervisory skills
Ensure timely and efficient delivery of student financial assistance to qualified applicants
Interpret federal and state financial aid regulations and determine appropriate course of action
Monitor and award federal and state financial aid programs
Gather, compile and analyze data and prepare reports
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and administration
Perform consistently under the pressure of deadlines and other administrative demands
Work cooperatively with others
One (1) to three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional level administrative experience in a financial aid setting

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Finance, Business Administration or Accounting, preferred
Broad skills in financial aid methodology, financial aid software and federal regulations governing student financial aid programs preferred

Responsibilities

Interprets, implements and ensures the College is in compliance with state and federal agencies by maintaining a thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid and veterans’ affairs administration rules and regulations
Counsels and advises students concerning financial aid opportunities, application processes and financial management strategies
Educates students in the identification of all sources of financial aid available, including the requirements and regulations within programs
Effectively communicates to students the importance of submitting documentation for file completion; This can be in the form of calling the student, going to the classroom to retrieve the student and sometimes receiving authorization from the Director of Financial Aid to block the student from attending class
Determines eligibility and awards financial aid applicants utilizing various software packages; This includes processing applications and corrections, document tracking, completing the verification process, generating tracking and award notifications
Generates and prepares status and project reports for the financial aid and veterans’ affairs program
Responds to student inquiries
Communicates with appropriate state and federal agencies to resolve any conflicting issues as needed
Works with Admissions to ensure that issues with enrolling students have been identified and resolved in a timely manner
Participates in the ‘Stitch in Meetings’ – must provide all required documentation for review of files
Maintains responsibility for specific student portfolio group throughout the student’s program
Works closely with the Business Office (if applicable) to ensure that all forms of monies are reconciled and files are resolved
Assists Corporate Office with the collection of funds and resolving verification issues in a timely manner
Scan all financial aid documents and send to Corporate Office
Run Expected Cash and Aged Report to assist in monitoring monies
Run daily ISIR Report to track possible issues with verification
Assist with the reconciliation of all Title IV programs