Coach, Default, Aversion and Compliance

Financial Aid Reconciliation Specialist

Assists the Director in the timely reconciliation with the US Department of Education systems, troubleshooting internal/external system issues, and assuring delivery of accurate and timely payments to students and compliance with federal Title IV, state, city and institutional guidelines for financial aid, scholarship, grant, and tuition refunds.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to student financial aid programs.
• Ability to write and update policies and procedures manual.
• Ability to ensure all Federal and State programs and allocations are in compliance with federal and state policies, and perform data collection, research, and policy analysis.
• Knowledge of the purpose of community colleges and the vision of Dallas College.
• Ability to interpret, understand and apply comprehensive knowledge of innovative technology platforms related to and in support of the holistic student experience.
• Ability to identify and address opportunities and challenges that arise as a result of Dallas College's current transition.
• Ability to balance an analytical mind and a compassionate heart.
• Strong belief in the value of education coupled with the ability to manage structured regulatory requirements alongside the personal, human-centered experience.
• Possess a professional and collaborative demeanor.
• A personality that has the ability to address and resolve conflicts with integrity and compassion, and that can actively develop effective relationships at all levels.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately.
• An understanding of contemporary issues in higher education.
• Ability to write and interpret policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students/employees from the full range of diverse populations.
• Ability to identify, address, and collaborate with other leaders on solutions to barriers preventing a significant portion of our population from having a job that pays a living wage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, complex ideas, and information to a variety of stakeholders/constituents within the Dallas College community network related to career and academic requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain fiscal records, student accounts and related data for federal loans, grants and resolve discrepancies with the College and the US Department of Education systems.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Federal financial aid programs, policies, and regulations.
• Review disbursement systems to ensure accurate and timely student refunds.
• Perform data analysis, prepare reports as needed and prepare backup documentation for audits.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate default aversion strategies, and work with loan services, guarantors, and other auxiliary service providers to remedy delinquent accounts and promote default management awareness.
• Facilitates resolutions for delinquent borrowers in danger of defaulting.
• Conducts and interprets ongoing evaluation, complex data and revision of default management procedures and financial literacy program.
• Provide support for daily functions by running various processes and communicate with College staff as needed.
• Interact with appropriate Dallas College including internal and external auditors to ensure all compliance and default aversion policies and practices are upheld.
• Support districtwide training, develop, and update training materials as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with security protocols to protect confidential data.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Deploy data-informed and results oriented financial aid programs (i.e., reduction of student default rate).
• Utilize technology to access data, maintain records, generate reports, and communicate with others.
• Interpret, articulate, and implement a variety of regulations, guidelines, and procedures to ensure compliance with Dallas College, state, and federal requirements.
• Prepares reports, proposals, and recommendations for overall programs; keeps detailed records of assigned activities.
• Collaborate with all relevant Student Success areas to assist students and their families throughout the enrollment cycle, as it relates to financial aid, literacy, and resources to promote academic success from entry through completion.
• Effectively utilize financial aid data files to conduct and support multi-layered communication efforts and/or campaigns.
• Assist in tracking outcomes of said campaigns.
• Support and maintain individualized financial aid (student) case management loads consisting of coaching, counseling, and advising on all aspects related to college aid and applicable funding resources. This includes assessing the students' financial aid eligibility and authorizing the disbursement of funds.
• Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Official transcripts required.
• Two (2) years of experience in a higher education setting with demonstrated experience in financial aid counseling, eligibility determination, needs analysis, verification, and packaging required.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond the regular 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. workday especially during heavy registration peak times including nights and weekends.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.