Financial Aid Specialist

OTC • Springfield, MO

15d • Onsite

About The Position

This position plays a key role in supporting the operation and compliance of the financial aid office with responsibility for understanding and maintaining an extensive knowledge of financial aid programs, processes, requirements, and policies. The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for processing financial aid files and related documentation with a high level of accuracy and efficiency to meet departmental objectives. Duties include preparing, reviewing, maintaining, and transmitting records, forms, documents, correspondence, and reports. A Financial Aid Specialist must also answer financial aid questions and resolve issues via email, chat, phone or in person providing quality customer service, professional and articulate correspondence, and accurate guidance based on federal and state regulations and college policies.

Requirements

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and two (2) years of student affairs experience, or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work in a multi-tasked high-volume office and meet deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use information technology for professional productivity (such as Microsoft Office Suite).
• Microsoft Excel intermediate proficiency level.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in student financial aid programs, including knowledge of state and federal regulations on student financial aid administration.
• Three years of experience and skill in customer service.
• Experience and skill in public speaking.
• Experience with Colleague.
• Experience working within a collegiate setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs and supporting regulations and translate regulations into logical processes.
• Apply problem solving skills to identify and request the appropriate documentation needed to fulfill all financial aid application and aid program requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in basic principles of student eligibility, application, verification, and professional judgment as prescribed by federal and state regulations and institutional policies which administer those regulations.
• Track receipt of required documents, analyze the accuracy of the information, note inconsistencies in reported information, and process corrections to student application data.
• Monitor and process records in work queues including verification, professional judgement, and satisfactory academic progress to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Partner with student success team members to facilitate aid processing to assist students with financial aid concerns and disseminate information to student success by attending meetings and providing updates regarding changes in regulations and organizational policies.
• Provide specialized support for elevated student inquiries from College Navigators, Admissions Counselors, and Student Success Representatives, ensuring timely and accurate responses to complex financial aid questions and concerns.
• Facilitate communication with various agencies by using software and database systems to create, modify, extract, transmit, receive, and maintain financial aid records.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to provide continuing education in financial aid administration.
• Contribute to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer service in all aspects of the administration of financial aid.
• Participate in the development of institutional financial aid policies and processes that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.
• Execute assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established college policies, procedures, and standards in a safe manner and with minimal supervision working independently to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Perform other duties as directed, including internal and external committee assignments, and attendance at college, community, and professional events.

Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage for employees through the CoxHealth network at no cost to employees.
• Dental, LTD and group life insurance coverage for employees at no cost to employees.
• Access to the on-site OTC Health and Wellness Clinic at no cost for employees and their dependents.
• Use of the OTC fitness center at no cost to employees.
• Twelve (12) tuition free college credit hours per fall and/or spring semester and six (6) college credit hours per summer term for employees and/or their dependents.
• College matches the employee PSRS/PEERS retirement at 14.5% or 6.86%

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees