Financial Aid Technician

Los Angeles Community College District•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Oversees and participates in one or more of the functional phases of awarding scholarships, loans, and grants at a college or has full responsibility for one major financial aid program at a college or the Central Financial Aid Unit of the District Office.

Requirements

Knowledge of : Federal and state regulations, requirements and procedural guidelines pertaining to governmentally-funded programs of student financial assistance
Techniques of counseling and interviewing
Customer service techniques for public contact in person, on the telephone, and in written communication
Correct use of business English, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
Letter, memorandum, and report formats
Clerical practices and procedures
Recordkeeping procedures
Capabilities of computer systems, applications, and hardware used in the operation of a Financial Aid Office
Skill in : Use of computer and standard office equipment
Ability to : Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures concerning financial aid programs
Advise students on personal management of financial aid funds
Evaluate financial needs of students by applying prescribed criteria
Communicate effectively with individuals from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and different levels of academic achievement
Work effectively and cooperatively with students, staff, faculty, and the public
Critically review financial aid data and resolve discrepancies
Train support staff to use various types of computers and software programs
Gather and compile statistical and financial data
Give clear and concise instructions
Work under the pressure of recurrent deadlines with frequent interruptions
Perform mathematical computations accurately
Keep information confidential
Deal calmly with students who are disturbed because of misunderstandings or delays
Provide technical assistance to others
Prepare reports and correspondence
Work in a high volume environment
Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Maintain accurate records and files
Effectively utilize computer hardware and software in the performance of duties
Learn specialized software applications
Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid clerical experience in a college or university financial aid office.
An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university AND one year of full-time, paid clerical experience in a college or university financial aid office.

Nice To Haves

College-level course work in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, sociology, psychology, information technology, or a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Responsible for one or more functions of financial aid programs such as: Federal Work Study Program, Federal Pell Grant Awards, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, data processing input and electronic transmissions, emergency loans, loan billings and collections, scholarships, Cal Grants and Federal Loan Programs.
Interviews students to evaluate their needs and to determine their eligibility for one or more of the financial aid programs.
Authorizes awards for financial aid through a combination of loans, grants, and work study based on individual needs and applicable laws and regulations.
Provides advice and offers solutions to students who have special financial problems, who question eligibility requirements, or who have been denied aid.
Compiles facts and figures necessary for the preparation of periodic and special reports.
Audits individual student financial aid files to assure completeness and accuracy of all documents and corrects or orders the correction of any discrepancies.
Prepares public information material related to financial aid for use in college papers and bulletins.
Verifies the accuracy of information received through follow-up investigation or other means.
Operates a computer terminal to input and retrieve information from a variety of specialized financial aid and student information records systems.
Effectively utilizes standard office software applications to compile data and prepare information and correspondence.
Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, workshops, and other training sessions to learn about state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to financial aid.
May provide work direction and training to financial aid clerical support staff.
May assist in the development and recommend new procedures and changes in existing clerical procedures.
May perform a variety of tasks during peak work load periods or in the absence of assigned staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
19 paid holidays per year.
Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District.
Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System.
Employees are also covered by Social Security.
Employee Assistance Program