Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Specialist

ACCS•Huntsville, AL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Process and maintain student financial aid files and assist students with all aspects of financial aid. The role also oversees Veterans Affairs at the Huntsville Campus, supporting veteran students and ensuring their benefit files and certifications are accurate and compliant with applicable State Approving Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs requirements. The specialist serves as a resource for students and working adults, communicates complex information clearly, protects confidential information, and performs related duties as assigned. The position requires at least one year of postsecondary education (32 semester hours), including at least 16 semester hours in a related field, and one year of related work experience; alternatively, one year of postsecondary education and three years of related work experience are required. Applicants must also be able to use Excel or other database software for sorting, lists, and reporting, and Word or other word-processing tools, including mail merge. Salary is placed on ACCS Salary Schedule E3, Grade 4, at $41,349–$59,541, with placement based on documented years of full-time related work experience. Work hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m., and Friday, 7:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m>. Applicants must submit an online application, résumé, and college transcripts documenting degree requirements. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted before the deadline, but official transcripts are required if employed. The selected applicant must complete a criminal background check and provide official transcripts sent directly by the issuing institution. Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses. The college may fill more than one position in this classification during the search process.

Requirements

At least one year (32 semester hours) of postsecondary education from an accredited institution, including at least 16 semester hours in a related field, and at least one year of related work experience; alternatively, at least one year (32 semester hours) of postsecondary education and at least three years of related work experience.
Ability to use Excel or other database software to sort and manage lists and reporting.
Ability to use Word or other word-processing tools to prepare and communicate information, including mail merge.
Ability to maintain confidential information and work professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to explain complex information in simple terms, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations, make decisions based on correspondence or other information, and remain calm in high-pressure situations involving monetary issues.
Ability to follow instructions and established routines, maintain attention to detail, and communicate effectively using email and other office systems.
Ability to greet people with friendliness, tact, and courtesy and respond to customer needs with patience and flexibility.
Ability and willingness to learn new things, take initiative, and maintain a positive, professional attitude.

Nice To Haves

Previous customer service work experience.
Knowledge of community college policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Banner or a related program, and ability to use Banner Administrative Software.
Knowledge of grammar, basic math and accounting concepts, and general office practices and records management.
Knowledge of financial aid and the FAFSA application process.
Knowledge of FERPA.
Knowledge of basic IRS documentation and tax processes related to financial aid, such as IRS Form 1040.
Knowledge of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policies.
Skill in operating a computer and using a mouse, multi-line phone system, fax machine, copier, scanner, label maker, shredder, calculator or adding machine, and letter folder.
Ability to use the internet to search for information and to use Application Extender and BDMS.

Responsibilities

Process and maintain financial aid files and assist students with financial aid forms, loans, work-study, appeals, professional judgment, and terms and conditions.
Calculate and process Return to Title IV (R2T4) aid returns and revise accounts resulting from over-awards.
Review financial aid files for correct processing and process files selected for verification, including reviewing academic progress, transcripts, and submitted information.
Answer student questions in person, by phone, and by email; assist students with FAFSA applications and verify financial aid eligibility.
Promote financial literacy and debt management, provide exit loan counseling, and certify private loans.
Handle scholarship applications and processing; maintain and update the college financial aid website.
Process financial aid, work-study, and satisfactory academic progress appeals.
Maintain confidentiality, alert the supervisor to issues requiring management attention, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Prepare and send communications; scan documents.
Maintain membership and participate in AASFAA and NASFAA; attend required financial aid and VA training.
Serve as a resource for working adults interested in attending or completing college.
Oversee Veterans Affairs at the Huntsville Campus and cultivate relationships with veteran students and relevant college offices.
Maintain accurate student VA files, including enrollment hours and courses, withdrawals, degree requirements and objectives and changes to them, and dependency status.
Help veteran students resolve issues affecting eligibility or payment of education benefits and explain monthly allowances, course and degree requirements, and college and VA policies and procedures.
Report at the end of each semester to the VA on students who received F grades and students who graduated.
Ensure VA office operations meet State Approving Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines and regulations.
Screen and certify students each semester under all veterans benefit chapters, ensuring certifications are accurate and timely.
Use and maintain an understanding of Degree Works, Banner, and Enrollment Manager to ensure accurate enrollment and program-of-study information for certification.
Serve as liaison to state and VA agencies and participate in VA benefit-related audits.
Perform related duties as assigned.