Specialist - Financial Aid (Verification and Application)

Fox Valley Technical College • Appleton, WI

2d • $25 - $29 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Aid – Verification and Application Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of federal aid applications through verification of student data, as well as reviewing and processing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals and professional judgment requests. This position plays a vital role in helping students secure financial aid by completing the FAFSA process, resolving discrepancies, and reviewing unique student circumstances. The specialist ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while maintaining high-quality service for students.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in finance, business administration, student services, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or related administrative roles, with specific experience in FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment preferred.
• Strong familiarity with federal financial aid regulations, including FAFSA processing, verification, SAP requirements, and professional judgment guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid regulations, particularly related to verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, especially in reviewing financial aid applications and supporting documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial aid processes to students and families.
• Proficiency in financial aid management systems (e.g., Work Day) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities, particularly during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Resolve Reject ISIRs: Review and resolve Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) flagged with reject codes by identifying missing or incorrect data, communicating with students for required corrections, and ensuring successful FAFSA reprocessing for accurate aid determination.
• C Code Resolution: Investigate and resolve ISIRs flagged with C codes (e.g. unusual enrollment history, citizenship, defaulted loans) by collecting necessary documentation from students, working with the Department of Education as needed, and updating the student’s aid eligibility.
• Pending ISIR Transactions Review: Regularly monitor and review pending ISIR transactions for incomplete or flagged FAFSA submissions, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of discrepancies to avoid delays in aid packaging and disbursement.
• Conduct federal verification for selected students by reviewing tax documents, verification worksheets, and other supporting materials.
• Review and process Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals submitted by students who do not meet SAP requirements for continued financial aid eligibility.
• Review and process requests for dependency overrides and other professional judgment adjustments, evaluating students' unique financial and or family situations that may not be reflected on the FAFSA.
• Stay current on changes to federal, state, and institutional regulations for FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests.
• Maintain accurate records of verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and federal guidelines.
• Provide counseling to students and families on FAFSA completion, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, helping them understand the financial aid process and their eligibility.
• Deliver high-quality customer service, responding promptly to inquiries and offering one-on-one assistance where needed.
• Assist in the development and revision of policies and procedures as needed to reflect changes in federal and institutional regulations.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives within the financial aid department to gain proficiency in a variety of financial aid processes, ensuring seamless support across all areas during peak times or staff absences.

Benefits

• Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options.
• Employees enjoy paid time off, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods.
• We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage.
• Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs.
• Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement.
• Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, café, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree