Financial Aid Specialist

McHenry County College; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

McHenry County College seeks a Financial Aid Specialist to assist students through the federal, state, and MCC financial aid processes. The role involves reviewing and processing financial aid files, awarding and disbursing funds, and helping students navigate resources for paying for college.

The position requires an Associate's degree and at least one year of related experience, with a willingness to train others and stay updated on regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent education and experience.
• One year of related experience (e.g. working in an educational environment, serving students)
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of assigned students, proactively monitoring progress and intervening as necessary.
• Develop and maintain relationships with students and families seeking information about financial aid by providing friendly service, timely response and knowledgeable advice, in-person and via other channels.
• Administer the processing of financial aid awards, following all procedures, and communicating to all parties in a way that is diplomatic, empathetic and compassionate.
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid with audits and program reviews
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of departmental procedure and process documentation
• Utilize Navigate360, Colleague, and other college systems to effectively track, communicate with, and report on the financial aid progress of students while maintaining accurate financial aid notes and documentation
• Train and assist students with myMCC, self-service, and financial aid tools to effectively navigate and utilize resources for paying for college
• Support the onboarding and development of new Financial Aid Specialists and College staff by providing training on financial aid processes and state/federal guidelines
• Collaborate with MCC colleagues on various student-centered initiatives, serve on committees, and consult on issues where particular expertise is needed
• Present information about all financial aid opportunities at MCC to audiences such as high school students and their parents, community organizations, and other interested parties
• Keep apprised of changes to Financial Aid regulations and processes at the state and federal levels, and internally at MCC by attending trainings as directed, and regularly monitoring FAFSA and ISAC websites for updates
• Provide basic information on military education benefits, referring students to the Military Benefits Specialist as needed
• Work collaboratively with others to accomplish functions and responsibilities
• Assume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Skills

Financial aid processing

Customer service

Communication

Microsoft Office

Cultural competency

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Navigate360

Colleague

myMCC

Job description

40 Hours | Flexible schedule to meet department needs to include eveningsThe Financial Aid Specialist assists students and families through the federal, state, and McHenry County College (MCC) financial aid process and requirements. They review and process student financial aid files, including awarding and disbursing student funding. Financial Aid plays a significant role in our focus on increasing student access, success, retention, and graduation. The Specialist should be familiar with the challenges and barriers that community college students and their families face in preparing for college, and be ready to help students overcome the obstacles in their path to post-secondary education.

• Manage a caseload of assigned students, proactively monitoring progress and intervening as necessary
• Develop and maintain relationships with students and families seeking information about financial aid by providing friendly service, timely response and knowledgeable advice, in-person and via other channels
• Administer the processing of financial aid awards, following all procedures, and communicating to all parties in a way that is diplomatic, empathetic and compassionate, even when such conversations are challenging
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid with audits and program reviews
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of departmental procedure and process documentation
• Utilize Navigate360, Colleague, and other college systems to effectively track, communicate with, and report on the financial aid progress of students while maintaining accurate financial aid notes and documentation
• Train and assist students with myMCC, self-service, and financial aid tools to effectively navigate and utilize resources for paying for college
• Support the onboarding and development of new Financial Aid Specialists and College staff by providing training on financial aid processes and state/federal guidelines
• Collaborate with MCC colleagues on various student-centered initiatives, serve on committees, and consult on issues where particular expertise is needed
• Present information about all financial aid opportunities at MCC to audiences such as high school students and their parents, community organizations, and other interested parties
• Keep apprised of changes to Financial Aid regulations and processes at the state and federal levels, and internally at MCC by attending trainings as directed, and regularly monitoring FAFSA and ISAC websites for updates
• Provide basic information on military education benefits, referring students to the Military Benefits Specialist as needed
• Work collaboratively with others to accomplish functions and responsibilities
• Assume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent education and experience
• One year of related experience (e.g. working in an educational environment, serving students)

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Bilingual communication skills (Spanish/English)
• Experience with computer software used for financial aid processing
• Experience in a higher education or community college setting

Skills and Specifications:

• Thorough understanding of applicable financial aid institutional, state, and federal guidelines and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrate and possess a strong understanding of cultural competency and able to communicate effectively to different audiences
• Ability to grow with the technology and philosophical directions implemented by the College
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality
• Ability to deliver clear, compelling presentations in front of an audience
• Ability to work in a high-quality, focused service environment with excellent organizational skills and a professional manner
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, yet have a strong team orientation and to develop productive working relationships at all levels of the organization
• Sensitivity to students whose cultural and educational experiences differ from his/her own
• Willingness to work in a dynamic environment and the ability to be receptive and responsive to changing goals, needs and priorities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure with composure
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Commitment to and respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Understanding of and commitment to the College mission, vision, values, and goals