Financial Aid Specialist I - Term

Colorado Mountain College • Rifle, CO

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Specialist I performs various services to successfully guide students through the financial aid process including outreach, completion of financial aid forms, monitoring, serve as Work Study liaison and provide effective communication with students. This Financial Aid Specialist will be one of the first points of contact for prospective students and families and is instrumental in establishing an understanding of all financing options available to make CMC viable and affordable. This is a term position that ends 10/31/2026.

Requirements

• Education and experience are sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples may include a Bachelor’s Degree and two years related experience, or equivalent education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skill and abilities to perform the functions of the position.
• Experience with the administration of Federal Student Aid, VA and TA funds.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to working effectively with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds.
• Colorado Mountain College requires that employees perform their assigned duties within the State of Colorado.
• The College further expects employees to accurately report their work location at all times.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• NASFAA U Credentialing courses preferred: Application Process, Campus-Based Programs, Cost of Attendance, Packaging & Notification of Awards, Student Eligibility, and Verification.
• Colleague software experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate/explain all necessary steps of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, student responsibilities, and assist students and families with any questions concerning the completion of the FAFSA process.
• Possess a basic understanding of federal student aid processes such as ISIR review, federal Direct and plus loan eligibility, entrance and exit counseling requirements, verification process and awards, work study, as well as government policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Awareness of R2T4 process to facilitate calculations.
• Ability to perform SAP appeals and Professional Judgment.
• Knowledge of Veterans benefits.
• Conduct workshops and presentations to students, campus faculty, staff, high schools and community members concerning financial aid either in person or virtually.
• Educate prospective families on the various ways to pay for college, including but not limited to federal financial aid programs, Colorado grants and scholarships, external scholarships, and loans.
• Deliver outstanding customer service to prospective and re-entering students and families through various remote platforms, e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, phone to discuss financial aid processes and options.
• Provide extensive student-focused, solution-oriented communication and support to ensure all students are comfortable and sufficiently informed/prepared.
• Works closely with various departments, such as admissions, student accounts, registrars, and advising, to assist when and where needed.
• Promptly respond to all student questions, concerns, and needs regarding the financial aid process within an established timeframe.
• Perform data entry of students' financial aid information and all comments in our databases related to students' status to ensure full and proper documentation.
• Counsels' students with financial literacy.
• Participates in student registration activities and development activities designed to promote student awareness, retention, and success.
• Uses a database and various computer software to maintain and monitor confidential and other student records and files.
• Attend financial aid training activities as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Pet insurance
• retirement contribution
• tuition reimbursement
• annual & sick time
• mental health resources
• healthy lifestyle benefits
• affordable transitional housing may be available to the successful candidate based on eligibility and availability
• relocation if applicable

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level