Enrollment and Financial Aid Support Specialist

Enrollment and Financial Aid Support Specialist Highland County Campus, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, Ohio, United States of America Job Description Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 4:00 AM Southern State is committed to its mission to provide accessible, affordable and high quality education to people in southern Ohio. The college values honesty and integrity in all endeavors, tolerance for different ideas, respect for all individuals and excellence and creativity in the pursuit of knowledge. CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Enrollment and Financial Aid Support Specialist EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time REPORTS TO: Registrar DIVISION: Enrollment and Workforce Innovation FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt CAMPUS: Central Campus

DISTINGUISHING JOB CHARACTERISTICS

Serve as a critical front-line contributor to the College’s enrollment, retention, and workforce development goals by delivering high-touch, one-stop service to students, families, and community members. This position supports the full student lifecycle—from initial inquiry through enrollment and financial aid completion—by providing accurate, timely, and student-centered guidance across admissions, registration, records, and financial aid. The role directly advances student access, persistence, and completion, particularly in support of workforce-aligned programs and pathways.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform essential duties to expected performance standards. Reasonable accommodations are made as required for persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employee must be able to perform the following essential functions to the satisfaction of the employee’s supervisor. Serve as Records Office first point of contact for new students and community members via in-person, phone, and virtual communication, providing accurate information on academic programs, admissions, registration, and records & financial aid processes. Scans and indexes documents that come into the Records Office within document imaging system (OnBase). Processes and generates official and unofficial transcript requests submitted by past and current students. Processes registration request forms, drop/add request forms, and withdrawal request forms submitted by students. Reviews, updates, and obtains selective service registration numbers as required for residency for tuition purposes as outlined in Ohio Revised Code. Monitors course waitlists, registers students into open seats, and sends student notifications. Assists in transfer credit posting process and sends out transfer credit notices to students. Posts course substitution forms within Student Information System (Jenzabar J1) and sends notifications to students. Processes student status changes which include name, address, phone, and declared program. Sorts and disburses incoming and outgoing mail for the Records Office. Assists with the intake of admission documents including high school transcripts, ACT scores, Accuplacer scores, and participation forms. Guide students and families through the FAFSA completion process by offering one-on-one support via in-person meetings or Zoom appointments, ensuring accuracy and understanding. Active engagement in state, regional, and national professional development opportunities to maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of federal and state regulations, ensuring full compliance and strategic alignment with evolving policies, guidelines, and funding requirements across federal and state aid programs. Provides comprehensive counseling and guidance to students and parents on completing the FAFSA and other financial aid applications, ensuring accurate submissions, maximizing eligibility, and supporting informed decision-making regarding funding opportunities as needed. Coordinates the review, verification, and processing of third-party documentation, including ITAs and Consortium Agreements, and routes completed information to the Business Office in accordance with institutional procedures. Provide enrollment and general information services to prospective students to facilitate recruitment/retention efforts. Enhance customer service and help with problem-solving for students and families. Guide prospective students in determining the appropriate entry level, completing admission documents, and meeting college requirements. Refer students and visitors to college personnel, according to established protocol. Attend regular training sessions on division changes and professional development. Demonstrates professionalism and ethical judgment in all college business activities, actively modeling the College’s core values of accessibility, community engagement, quality-driven, personal connection, unity, and life-enrichment. Demonstrates clear, courteous, and professional communication with students, employees, faculty, and the public, ensuring accurate information exchange and positive customer service. Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established College policies, FERPA guidelines and other applicable laws pertaining to employment and education. Performs additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional objectives. Identifies and removes barriers that impact student access, enrollment, and persistence through personalized support and coordinated service delivery. Assist with campus events (i.e., orientations, recruiting, commencement) and other special projects, as requested. Works at various campus locations including pop-up sites and Brown County Location as directed. Deliver high-touch, student-centered services through virtual platforms (phone, email, and video conferencing), proactively guiding prospective and current students through enrollment, financial aid, and workforce pathways to ensure access, persistence, and success. Leverages digital platforms, CRM systems, and AI-enabled tools to deliver efficient, accessible, and personalized student support. Engages in proactive outreach and follow-up to support student progression, reduce attrition, and ensure timely enrollment and completion.

OTHERDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other related duties as required.

SCOPE OF SUPERVISION

None

EQUIPMENT OPERATED

Computer; printer; calculator; copier; fax machine; telephone; postage machine and other standard office equipment.

CONFIDENTIAL DATA

Student and faculty information covered by FERPA guidelines and confidential or sensitive information included in the College’s Jenzabar system.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office working conditions.

USUAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands are typically used to perform this job’s essential duties and responsibilities. They are not qualification standards, rather they may be used to help the College, employee, or applicant identify where and how reasonable accommodations may be made when an otherwise qualified person is unable to perform the job’s essential duties due to an ADA disability. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits manual dexterity when working on the computer, performing production typing and performing other related tasks, and regularly talks and hears when working with students and the general public. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision, with the ability to adjust focus when typing or reading a computer screen. The employee occasionally lifts up to 10 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Exemplifies outstanding customer service skills, committed to providing students with responsive, personalized support and fostering a positive learning environment. Demonstrates a strong dedication to student success through attentive, solution-focused service and proactive engagement that enhances the overall student experience. Skilled in delivering exceptional service to students, combining professionalism, empathy, and responsiveness to ensure their needs are met and their experience is positive and productive. Demonstrates the ability to effectively navigate and resolve challenging student situations, including those requiring escalation, while maintaining professionalism, composure, and a solution-focused approach. Demonstrates well-developed oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex concepts in both individual and group settings. Exhibits flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment while effectively managing shifting priorities. Works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff, as well as external service providers, families, community organizations, and other agencies. Delivers consistently friendly, professional, and respectful customer service in person, over the phone, and through written correspondence, regardless of the nature of the message. Maintains a solution-focused approach in all interactions with students, team members, faculty, and staff, while adhering to Southern State Community College policies and procedures. Contributes positively to a team-oriented environment, fostering productive working relationships and supportive team dynamics. Demonstrates a strong understanding of Southern State Community College’s mission, vision, values, goals, and strategic priorities. Possesses proficiency in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office applications to support efficient and accurate administrative work. Demonstrates the ability to effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support daily operations, improve service delivery, and enhance the student experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree or an appropriate combination of education, training, coursework, and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is: Associate’s degree in a related field with one to three years of related experience in a professional office setting. Must be able to think critically, multitask, and have great communication skills. Applicant must successfully pass required background checks in accordance with Southern State Community College’s policies and procedures and applicable laws. Ability to document identity and employment eligibility as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

None. The listing of duties and requirements listed in this description should in no manner imply that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by the employee who fills this position. Each employee is required to follow the directives and to perform any duties required by the employee's supervisor or designee. Southern State is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. Highland County Campus, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, Ohio, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern State Community College