Financial Aid Specialist (New Posting Effective June 5, 2024)

The Specialist reports to the Director of Financial aid/Veterans Affairs and assists in the administration of financial aid to students in accordance with established College guidelines and applicable federal and state regulations.  Oversees the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress and State Grant programs.   

1.Assists with the processing of financial aid applications by collecting required documents, verifying accuracy through the Verification process, completing any applicable Federal reporting requirements, preparing the student file for award and awarding financial aid to eligible students.  Assist with processing Dependency Override and Special Circumstance applications.

2.Balances various Federal and State accounts. Administers the State grant program including certification and reconciliation of funds. Administers the Child Care grant program.

3.Serves as the primary Financial Aid staff member to manage the college work-study program. Oversees the awarding of Federal, RCC Foundation, and Institutional work-study funds.

In coordination with the Office of Human Resources, maintains accurate work-study student employee records. Collects monthly timesheets, verifies the accuracy of these, and submits to the Business Office for processing. 

4.In coordination with the Director, monitors and evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress.   Coordinates the review of Satisfactory Academic Progress communication to students and appeal reviews.

5.Assists with the process for awarding RCC Foundation scholarships, including review of scholarship applications and other duties associated with scholarship awards in coordination with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid.

6.Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and practices, especially as these relate to position job duties.

7.Serve as the primary back-up for front desk assistance and phone coverage as needed.   Advises and informs students and their families about the financial aid application process.

8.Oversees financial aid files and the scanning process for the Financial Aid Office.

9.Performs various clerical functions, such as preparation of award letters, reports, and other documents, filing, and preparation of requisitions, in support of the primary task of administering financial aid to students.

10. Oversees the updating of financial aid forms, documents, and policies annually and as needed. Prepares, maintains, creates, and orders publications pertinent to financial aid.

11. Process acquisition requests for the department through the e-Procurement portal.

12. Assists with regular reviewing of reports and reconciliation for financial aid including but not limited to FATR/FATP and the De-registration processes.

13. Speak to students, families, and the community about financial aid opportunities and conduct workshops at the request of the Director (may include off-campus and evening presentations).

14. Fulfills other duties as requested or assigned by the Director.

REQUIRED:

Associate's Degree (Recommended fields of study: Accounting, Business Administration, Management)

PREFERRED:

Bachelor's degree in higher education administration, business administration, or related area.

Experience working in a higher education setting, specifically financial aid operations.

Community college experience.

Experience with Colleague

Excellent customer service skills, excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, good oral and written communications skills. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple functions or tasks effectively.

Competence in computing skills, especially Word, Excel, and Power Point.