Financial Aid Specialist

Summary:
The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for a wide range of duties in support of undergraduate and graduate students and their financial aid needs. Major responsibilities include processing of Financial Aid packages and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of financial aid information. This position involves a great deal of communication with students and parents, including coordinating financial aid and loan counseling workshops.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide information to students and families regarding the options for obtaining financial aid, the process for applying for aid, and the eligibility requirements for receiving and maintaining aid
• Assist students in completing required financial aid paperwork
• Review documents, package financial aid awards and complete verification when required on individual financial aid applicants
• Provide quality customer service to students and families, respond to inquiries in a timely manner
• Perform financial aid data entry using PowerFaids
• Maintain files and records, preserving confidentiality of all information and student records
• Update and monitor Federal Work-Study (FWS) award spreadsheet each pay period. Coordinate with Human Resources on eligible student hires. Timely communication to students and supervisors as work study budget approaches its limit
• Administer and update the SCI-Arc Federal Financial Aid forms and website/portal information as needed
• Coordinating communications between Admissions and Finance when tracking admissions and continuing student scholarships
• Provide support with preparation of annual Single Audit
• Assist in administration of CAL Grant program through Webgrant on-line processing
• Assist in administration of FSEOG Grant
• Department of Education (ED), California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) semester reconciliations and reimbursements
• Assist with student and parent workshops and producing educational videos
• Ensure critical deadlines are met
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 2 years’ experience of financial aid experience in college or university
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication skills to clearly convey financial aid information in person and over the phone
• Must be a self-starter and have a demonstrated ability to work independently in a dynamic environment and maintain a professional demeanor under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge in PowerFaids; a plus but not required