Financial Aid Specialist / Veterans Resource Support

Umpqua Community College•Roseburg, OR

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist / Veterans Services Support position at Umpqua Community College helps students and families understand financial aid options, eligibility requirements, applications, funding, budgeting, and loan repayment. The role provides direct student support in person, by phone, and by email, and participates in workshops, campus events, and presentations. The position supports veterans and eligible dependents using educational benefits by explaining applicable programs and requirements, maintaining student files, processing applications and enrollment certifications, monitoring enrollment and course schedules, and coordinating with VA representatives, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, college departments, and other partners. It also assists with student progress and eligibility questions, program reviews, audits, reporting, and compliance activities. Additional duties include coordinating merit awards in the college’s Banner system, working with Student Accounts to ensure accurate awards, preparing institutional, state, and federal reporting information, maintaining confidential student records in accordance with privacy requirements such as FERPA, and collaborating with campus colleagues. The employee participates in training and professional development, cross-trains with colleagues, and provides coverage for related functions as needed. Employment is contingent upon background check approval.

Requirements

Associate degree.
One to three years of experience in financial aid, a veterans’ services office, a public institution, or a related field involving federal, state, or local government programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Guide students and families through financial aid applications, eligibility requirements, funding options, budgeting, and loan repayment.
Respond to student and family questions in person, by phone, and by email with clear, accurate, and courteous guidance.
Participate in workshops, campus events, and presentations about financial aid resources and processes.
Coordinate Federal Work-Study paperwork, verify eligibility, maintain records, and assist with payroll and reporting.
Help veterans and eligible dependents understand educational benefits, eligibility requirements, and applicable VA benefit programs.
Maintain student files and assist with preparing and processing applications, enrollment certifications, and related documentation.
Monitor enrollment and course schedules to ensure veterans’ educational benefits are reported accurately and meet program requirements.
Coordinate with VA representatives, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, college departments, and other partners to resolve questions and discrepancies.
Assist with reviewing student progress, explaining applicable policies, and explaining options when eligibility or academic requirements are a concern.
Support reviews, audits, reports, and compliance activities related to veterans’ educational benefits.
Enter merit awards into the college’s Banner system each term and coordinate with Student Accounts to ensure accurate awards.
Prepare information for institutional, state, and federal reports.
Maintain confidential student records and follow applicable privacy requirements, including FERPA.
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Advising, Student Accounts, Registration and Records, and other campus colleagues to provide coordinated student support.
Participate in training and professional development, cross-train with colleagues, and provide coverage for related functions as needed.