Financial Aid/Va Specialist

Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid/VA Specialist provides comprehensive resources to veterans, their dependents, and active-duty military in matters related to the use of Federal and State Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits. The Financial Aid/VA Specialist also assists in the processing of financial aid for veteran and non-veteran students by maintaining documentation to determine student eligibility for grants and scholarships while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Salary Schedule:  E2 03

• Provides excellent customer service as the veteran affairs and financial aid first-line of contact for new students, current students, and parents.

• Serve as the College's primary Veteran Affairs School Certifying Official (SCO) by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook.

• Administer the VA Federal Educational Benefits Programs, Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program, and Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP).

• Submit VA student enrollments via Enrollment Manager.

• Collaborate with the Business Office and Records Office regarding the impact on student accounts due to enrollment changes.

• Report new programs or program changes to the State Approving Agency (SAA) for approval.

• Maintain records of VA students, including 22-1999, course schedules, and supporting VA documentation.

• Assembles requested VA files, billing information, and transcripts for State or Federal compliance visits/audits.

• Reports enrollment changes such as course drop/add, withdrawals, or graduation to the VA promptly to ensure compliance with the 30-day reporting requirement.

• Advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, educational costs, and other financial aid-related matters.

• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and guidelines related to financial aid.

• Conducts in-person and virtual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion sessions and workshops with students, parents, and high school counselors in the College's service area.

• Assists in the New Student Orientation for Admissions, Advising, and Registration sessions (SOAR) conducted by the Enrollment Management Team.

• Reviews assigned Automic and Argos Reports.

• Utilizes the Banner system to review students' accounts and award federal financial aid, scholarships, and other grants.

• Advises current students on the effect of withdrawing from classes related to financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

•  Provides counseling and assistance to students and parents through in-person interviews, written communication, and telephone conversations to articulate financial aid and VA policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Attend VA and Financial Aid training conferences to stay abreast of VA and financial aid regulations.

• Train and supervise VA work-study students.

• Ability to work independently in matters related to Veterans Affairs.

• Performs other student financial aid tasks and special projects, as required.

•  Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by the College and departmental needs assigned by the Vice President of Students/Information Services and Director of Financial Aid

• Follows through with assigned duties until completion.

• Serves on College committees as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

• At least three years of work experience in Federal Student Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of State and Federal VA Educational Benefits

• Experience with the Financial Aid Ellucian Banner System or similar ERP System.

• Knowledge of Enrollment Manager

• Work experience with the United States Military

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion.

• Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Must have a thorough knowledge of Title IV funding and federal and state VA regulations, policies, and procedures regarding administering VA and financial aid.

• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Must be efficient, dependable, flexible, responsible, and motivated.

• Must be able to multi-task and understand the urgency of deadlines.

• Must be able to read and interpret federal and state financial aid regulations.

• Must be able to learn and perform all essential job functions with minimal direct supervision.

• Must be able to travel between campuses.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed online application packet to be considered for this position. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will not be considered. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered.  A complete application packet consists of:

• Trenholm State Community College online employment application. 

• A current resume, including three (3) references.

• Copy of transcripts that demonstrate the required educational qualifications must be included and must identify the applicant, institution, degree, and date conferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION

Neither a resume nor an application is appropriate verification of work experience. It is not our policy to contact current and/or previous employers to obtain employment verification. "Work experience verification is required in writing from your current and/or previous employer(s) confirming the required level of experience as stated in the "Minimum Qualifications" section and other related experience. Verification should include dates of employment and position title(s). Proof of work experience verification may be delayed until an official offer of employment using the Work Experience Verification form, which is found on the Human Resources home page. All work experience verification must be completed within 15 days following the employment offer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted by the Office of Human Resources on a continuous basis and remain active for one year for available positions. Incomplete application packets will eliminate the possibility of a position opportunity.  

EEOC, E-VERIFY, BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENTS:  Trenholm State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.   Trenholm State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees.

Trenholm State Community College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding.   More than one position in the same job classification may be filled by the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process.   Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation.   The applicant will be responsible for the cost of the criminal background investigation.  

This employer participates in E-Verify.