Financial Aid Specialist

New Mexico Junior College • Hobbs, NM

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist reports to the Director of Financial Aid and is responsible for reviewing financial aid applications and materials for completeness and eligibility, verifying document accuracy, analyzing discrepancies, and determining resolutions. This role involves processing documentation according to federal, state, and institutional guidelines, performing need analysis, and determining eligibility for student financial aid offers within the Banner system. The specialist will ensure high-quality customer service for students, parents, staff, and agencies, assist with inquiries and issue resolution, and review/reconcile financial aid resources. Additional duties include preparing reports, invoicing for financial aid programs, assisting with other office functions and cross-training, participating in annual audits, serving on campus committees, and performing other assigned duties as needed to meet the needs of New Mexico Junior College.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Six (6) months experience working in a financial aid office
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Knowledge of college admission policies, standards and procedures
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to financial aid
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures
• Knowledge of automated records processing
• Skilled with work-related computer software
• Skill in presenting ideas and concepts to effectively communicate with internal and external customers
• Skill in resolving problems and implementing results
• Ability to gather and analyze data, make simple calculations, and prepare reports
• Ability to assist customers who may be confused, agitated, or hostile
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
• Position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Reviews financial aid applications and materials for completeness and eligibility
• Verifies accuracy of documents and data
• Analyzes discrepancies between FAFSA applications, verification documents, and student information; determines resolution if needed
• Requests additional information for incomplete applications
• Processes all documentation per federal, state, and institutional guidelines
• Performs need analysis
• Determines eligibility and processes student financial aid offers within the Banner system
• Ensures students, parents, staff, and federal/state agencies receive high quality customer service by assisting with inquiries and resolution of issues
• Reviews and reconciles all financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study
• Prepares reports and invoicing for financial aid programs
• Assists with other office functions as needed, including cross training of other department duties
• May participate in the annual audit of student records
• May serve on various campus committees as assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

Benefits

• Standard benefits apply

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED