Financial Aid Specialist

Roanoke-Chowan Community College•Ahoskie Campus, NC

About The Position

This role involves assisting with the annual setup of Financial Aid processes, processing FAFSA submissions, and conducting interviews with students seeking financial assistance. The specialist will perform needs analysis, assist in packaging financial aid awards, and manage applications for scholarships. Key duties include reviewing applications for completeness and accuracy, verifying information for eligibility, and monitoring federal work-study budgets. The position requires ensuring students maintain satisfactory academic progress and utilizing financial aid software for record updates, award notifications, and report generation. Responsibilities also include applying financial aid policies, identifying students exceeding funding limits, and assisting with the appeal process. Maintaining confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and staying updated on federal and state regulations are crucial. The role involves providing technical assistance and eligibility information, collaborating with various campus departments and external agencies, and awarding scholarships based on need and funding. The specialist will perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Requirements

Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Ability to organize and prioritize a wide variety of assignments, with emphasis on processing skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work under deadline requirements.
Computer literacy is required.
A functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, or database management.
Ability to maintain complex filing systems and records.
Excellent analytical problem solving and customer service skills.
Ability to read and understand federal and state regulations and guidelines.
Ability to work with a diverse student body.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Ability to work well with the public in high pressure situations.
Ability to multitask and to perform detailed tasks accurately.
Strong computer skills with a focus on office applications.
Two years' Community College experience in Student Services and/or an office setting at an educational institution.

Responsibilities

Assist with the annual setting up of Financial Aid processes.
Process Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions.
Conduct interviews with students seeking financial assistance.
Perform needs analysis and assist in packaging financial aid awards, including completing applications for federal, state, and private scholarships.
Accept and review financial aid applications for completeness and accuracy; verify reported information to determine eligibility for various awards.
Monitor and manage budgets for federal work-study students; ensure financial aid recipients maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Utilize financial aid software to update student records, generate award notifications, and prepare reports.
Apply financial aid policies to identify students exceeding funding limits and assist with the financial aid appeal process.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and financial aid matters in compliance with FERPA.
Interpret and adhere to federal and state regulations governing student financial aid.
Stay updated on changes in financial aid guidelines and regulations.
Provide technical assistance and financial aid eligibility information to students, staff, and the public.
Collaborate with Admissions, Records, Counseling, Student Support Services, and other campus departments, as well as external colleges and agencies.
Award scholarships based on financial need and available funding.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid, Dean, or Vice President.