Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid SpecialistThe Financial Aid Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office by managing the main financial aid phone line and general financial aid email account, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and directing students to appropriate resources in a timely and professional manner. The Specialist promotes student access to financial aid through FAFSA outreach, application processing, and individualized student support. This position assists current and prospective students with financial aid eligibility, verification, application corrections, and related processes while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Specialist coordinates financial aid outreach and FAFSA completion activities, maintains accurate student records, provides exceptional customer service, and processes financial aid documentation to resolve eligibility issues and support timely awarding. Working collaboratively with campus departments, the Financial Aid Specialist supports efficient financial aid operations and helps ensure students have the resources needed to enroll, persist, and achieve their educational goals.Receives direction from the Director of Financial Aid.Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Serve as the primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office by managing the main financial aid phone line and general financial aid email account, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and directing students to appropriate resources in a timely and professional manner.Organize and facilitate FAFSA awareness and completion events, workshops, orientations, and outreach activities in collaboration with the CFCC Recruitment Team, Marketing & Community Relations, local high schools, community organizations, and campus partners.Provide assistance to students and families with FAFSA completion, corrections, verification requirements, and related financial aid processes.Resolve routine financial aid issues and escalate complex cases to appropriate staff members as needed.Engage students, parents, and guardians to increase awareness of financial aid opportunities, application requirements, deadlines, scholarships, and the importance of FAFSA completion.Review financial aid applications, corrections, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.Communicate with and provide customer service support to students, parents, faculty, and community members through email, phone, in-person, and digital platforms regarding eligibility, award status, required documentation, student portals, forms, and financial aid processes.Maintain compliance with FERPA, federal Title IV regulations, state policies, and institutional procedures while safeguarding confidential student records.Utilize Ellucian Colleague and other student information systems to process, update, maintain, and audit financial aid records and communications.Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain regulatory knowledge, procedural compliance, and best practices in financial aid administration.Collaborate with Student Services departments to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives as needed.Assist with office operations including scanning, filing, document management, mailings, event preparation, and general administrative support.Participate in institutional committees, enrollment initiatives, student engagement activities, commencement, and special events.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.QualificationsKnowledge of:Operational characteristics, services and activities as they apply to a financial aid office.Pertinent federal, state, college and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations governing financial aid programs.Federal software and web-based financial aid products, such as FSA, NSLDS, and COD.Computer database applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and document imaging systems.Record keeping and reporting procedures.Ability To:Interpret and clearly explain college financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations to students, families, and campus stakeholders.Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting established deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability.Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and internal/external partners.Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse populations in a clear, concise, and professional manner.Promote a student-centered environment focused on access, inclusion, student success, and exceptional customer service.Collaborate effectively with Enrollment Services, Admissions, Business Office, Advising, Records, Workforce Development, and other departments to resolve student issues and support institutional goals.Ensure compliance with FERPA, federal Title IV regulations, state requirements, audit standards, and institutional policies while maintaining accurate and secure student records.Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity in all aspects of work.Exercise flexibility to support evening, weekend, and off-site events as needed during peak periods and special initiatives.Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying process efficiencies and supporting operational effectiveness initiatives.Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:Making observationsReading and writingCommunicating with othersOperating assigned equipmentHandling varied tasks simultaneouslyMaintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:Standing or sitting for extended periods of timeOperating assigned equipmentHandling varied tasks simultaneouslyBending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 poundsMaintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:Making sound decisionsResponding to questionsDemonstrating intellectual capabilitiesMinimum Education/Training:Associates degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and/or two years of experience in higher education, preferably, in the areas of Student Services or Financial Aid.Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills:Bachelor's Degree in business administration, accounting, public administration or related field.Experience working in a college or university financial aid office.Familiarity with Title IV regulations and compliance requirements.Experience using Ellucian Colleague or similar student information systems.Experience with financial aid processing systems such as COD, NSLDS, or StudentAid.gov.Supplemental InformationSpecial Instructions to Applicants:This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.To claim veterans' preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.BenefitsState of NC benefits