Student Success Specialist - Financial Aid

CHESS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Director, the Student Success Financial Aid Specialist supports students throughout the financial aid process by providing information, guidance, and encouragement. This student-centered role focuses on assisting students in navigating financial aid programs, maintaining compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, and promoting financial literacy to enhance student success and retention. Designed for individuals eager to grow in their career, this position offers on-the-job training and mentorship to build expertise in financial aid.

Requirements

Willingness and ability to learn financial aid systems and policies.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
Ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly and effectively to students with diverse needs.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar platforms).
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing multiple priorities.
Problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing student needs.
Associate’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field (e.g., student services, finance, customer service).
Experience in customer service, student-facing roles, or administrative positions (e.g., internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions) is required.
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and effectively support diverse student populations.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations or a willingness to learn through training.
Familiarity with financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
Interest in promoting financial literacy (e.g., budgeting, loan repayment, debt management).

Responsibilities

Provide guidance to students throughout the financial aid lifecycle, including assistance with applications, status updates, and disbursements.
Deliver excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating resolutions with students, faculty, and external agencies.
Participate in orientation programs, workshops, and information sessions to clarify financial aid processes and deadlines for prospective and current students.
Learn and utilize financial aid management systems to maintain accurate records, verify data, and reconcile discrepancies.
Assist in analyzing reports to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, while supporting timely financial aid disbursement.
Support audits and reconciliations of financial aid programs, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance.
Help deliver financial literacy workshops on topics such as budgeting, loan repayment, and managing debt.
Collaborate with student services teams (e.g., Academic Advising and Career Services) to design programming that supports institutional goals and student success.
Partner with academic advisors to address Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) issues and develop strategies to retain student financial aid eligibility.
Act as a liaison between students and college departments to address questions related to financial aid, student accounts, and related processes.
Foster positive working relationships with campus partners to enhance student support and student success.