Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for gathering relevant financial aid documents, carefully reviewing them for accuracy and completeness and evaluating the contents to ensure they meet established standards and requirements. This role ensures that all necessary paperwork is processed efficiently, complies with applicable guidelines and supports informed decision making. Additionally, assist students and families with all related financial forms and applications and provide guidance.

Essential Duties

Provide guidance and assistance to students and families related to all financial aid forms and applications. This includes federal student aid, state and institutional aid. Provide guidance and assistance to students regarding eligibility requirements, including student academic performance related to Satisfactory Academic Progress. Has essential roles in the SAP appeal process. Collect, review and evaluate all financial aid related documents to determine eligibility. Access to update, maintain, review and correct highly sensitive data with the U.S. Department of Education federal site, and must ensure that all information is protected and adherence to federal regulations are met. Understand the students' circumstances to determine if a professional judgement is necessary that may impact or affect student financial aid. Act as part of the campus student service team; liaise with other departments and/or offices across the campus. Support TCC's recruitment and retention mission through the presentation of Financial Aid information both on and off campus. Troubleshoot and solve complex student issues, this includes researching and providing resolutions. Train and mentor new and existing campus Financial Aid and other staff on Financial Aid related issues and regulations. Support the Financial Aid office's operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree or equivalent education Degree requirement may be substituted with relevant and equivalent work experience. One year of experience working in a Financial Aid environment. Must be detail-oriented with good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to perform responsibilities with initiative and minimal supervision. Ability to interact effectively in a team based environment, as well as with college service areas and all student populations. Ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree preferred. Degree requirement may be substituted with relevant and equivalent work experience. Experience working with Federal Title IV regulations, policies and procedures related to financial aid.