Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid SpecialistReporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Specialist supports the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. This role involves coordinating financial aid processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing excellent customer service to students. The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for managing student aid records, assisting in the disbursement of funds, and ensuring the timely and accurate processing of financial aid applications, and other duties as assigned.Responsibilities/Duties:Review and process financial aid applications (FAFSA) for completeness and accuracy.Assist with the day-to-day operations of the financial aid office.Provide support to other financial aid staff and leadership as needed.Stay updated on changes in financial aid regulations and procedures and attend relevant training and workshops.Verify student eligibility and coordinate the awarding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.Assist in the packaging and notification of financial aid awards to students.Ensure the timely and accurate disbursement of financial aid funds in coordination with Student Accounting.Reconcile financial aid records with Student Accounts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.Provide counseling to students and families regarding financial aid options, policies, and procedures.Assist students with understanding their financial aid packages and payment plans.Guide students in completing FAFSA applications, verification processes, and financial aid appeals.Maintain knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations (e.g., Title IV, state programs).Ensure compliance with the Department of Education and institutional policies regarding financial aid processing and disbursement.Support audit activities by providing accurate and timely documentation.Assist in developing and distributing financial aid information to students, families, and campus partners.Participate in financial aid workshops, orientations, and events to educate students about financial aid opportunities and processes.Respond to inquiries from students, families, and staff in a timely and professional manner.Maintain and update student financial aid records using the institution's student information system.Monitor financial aid records to ensure proper documentation, eligibility, and award distribution.Assist with data collection and reporting to monitor financial aid trends and improve services.Assist in coordinating the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, including employment authorizations, placements, and compliance.Collaborate with departments and community organizations to develop work-study positions.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's DegreeOne year of experience in financial aid administration, student services, or related fields in Higher Education.Familiarity with federal and state financial aid programs (e.g., Title IV, state grant programs).Experience with student information systems (such as Banner) preferred.Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and financial aid management software.Preferred Qualifications:Community College Experience Preferred.Master's degree preferred.Knowledge of NSLDS (National student loan data systems), COD (Common Origination and Disbursement Systems), Imaging System (Or comparable Image & workflow software).Four years of experience working in a Financial Aid Office with direct experience performing verification and awarding student financial aid with specific Title IV programs (i.e., Pell Grants, FWS, or state aid such as MHEC).BCCC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.BCCC is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the BCCC community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please email technical assistance, please contact NEOEDs Applicant Support Line at or Email: if you are needing help with your online applicant account. Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.BenefitsBCCC is the only community college in Baltimore City, one of 16 community colleges in Maryland, and both a higher education institution and a State of Maryland agency.As a state agency, the College is able to offer full-time, permanent PIN employees a host of benefits including a competitive salary and tuition remission. New College PIN employees will be invited to discuss benefit options with a personnel officer.Benefits extended to all full-time PIN employees are as follows:State of Maryland health plans: (PPO, EPO, and/or HMO medical plans), vision and dental plans (PPO or DHMO)Retirement Plans: include the State Employees' Pension, Teachers Pension Systems, Optional Retirement Programs (ORP) and the Law Enforcement Officer Pension System.Supplemental Retirement Plans - 401(k), 403(b) and 457Leave: 22 days of Annual Leave, 15 days of Sick Leave, 3 Personal Leave days, Leave Bank membership opportunities, 9 Holidays and a Winter Holiday break (5 days) observed between the Christmas and New Year's Day holidaysTuition Remission to institutions within the University System of Maryland (USM)Professional Development opportunitiesTo learn more details, visit our benefits page.