Specialist - Workforce Pell

Kilgore College • Kilgore, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the initial contact for student aid recipients concerning the entire financial aid process, especially Workforce Pell programs. The role is responsible for daily professional interaction with students/parents, faculty/staff, and other school officials. Key duties include scanning and linking documents in the document imaging system for electronic processing, serving as the first line of communication between staff, students, and the community, updating PF’s Communications, and monitoring/managing assigned exemption/waivers to accounts as well as select scholarship/tuition grants. The Specialist also performs any other necessary duties for the Financial Aid Office as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Office Professionals or related field. Extensive related work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Excellent computer skills required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to handle high level of stress.

Nice To Haves

• Will need to work some evenings during Registration and some Saturdays during the summer for KC STAR Days.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary administrator for Workforce Pell Grant programs at Kilgore College.
• Calculate and award Workforce Pell Grant funds in accordance with Formula 4 funding requirements and federal regulations.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of Workforce Pell Grant programs to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system daily to review Pell Grant awards for students receiving Workforce Pell funding, identify and resolve multiple reporting notifications, and originate and disburse Workforce Pell awards.
• Process student withdrawals and Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations for Workforce Pell recipients and provide backup support for Academic Pell Grant withdrawal and R2T4 processing.
• Serve as an initial contact for the financial aid office to answer routine questions from students/parents, faculty/staff, and other schools/government offices in person, by email, and by telephone about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, need analysis, and costs of attendance.
• Review student financial aid applications and provide accurate and timely information to students, parents, and staff regarding financial aid programs, requirements, and procedures.
• Explain to students/parents and faculty/staff the way in which the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy affects student eligibility for current or future funding with accuracy and professionalism.
• Provide answers to student questions regarding electronic processes and financial aid, access KC aid, and other issues related to data automation; updating documentation submissions.
• Provide support to students through KC STAR virtual meetings by logging into Zoom for scheduled appointments and addressing financial aid questions, explaining policies and procedures, and ensuring individuals are accurately directed to the appropriate department or personnel when additional assistance is required.
• Educate students on how to access and use student portals, online forms, document upload tools, and financial aid tracking systems.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the imaging system and the daily procedure of scanning and linking documents into the system.
• Provide clear, consistent communication regarding deadlines, documentation, policy changes, and steps in the financial aid process.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of student information in compliance with FERPA and institutional policies.
• Participate in normal office staff meetings, trainings, and give input as to annual planning, and assist the Financial Aid Director with special projects as assigned.
• Assist the Financial Aid Office with special projects, peak processing periods, and enrollment initiatives as assigned, including support for campus outreach events, such as FAFSA nights, orientation, recruiting events, and registration rallies.
• Provide backup support during high-traffic periods and special campus events.
• Run routine errands on and off campus to the print shop, business office, to Kilgore Campus for staff meetings, etc.
• Attend necessary training and development to remain current in the field, as required.
• Act as liaison for the financial aid office, with excellent public relation skills in answering daily questions.
• Adapt to on-going federal changes in regulations and be equipped to explain them.

Benefits

• 36-hour work week for a healthy work life balance
• Generous paid leave time
• Health, life, and income protection insurance are provided
• An excellent retirement program through the Teacher Retirement System
• Full Time employees have free use of the college’s recreational/fitness facilities
• Full Time employees are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) after 10 years of service
• Tuition scholarships are for the employee and dependents

What This Job Offers

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