Financial Aid Specialist

Odessa College; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 37,800 - 46,200; Full time

Job summary

Odessa College is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to administer state and federal aid programs in compliance with regulations. You will review applications, verify eligibility, award aid, and guide students through the financial aid process.

You will maintain confidential records under FERPA, collaborate with other departments, participate in workshops and orientation, and stay updated on changes in aid rules to help students access funding.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or college coursework plus experience in personal accounting, higher education or social program.
• Computer and business math skills.
• Organizational skills and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and meet deadlines, while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Basic knowledge of financial aid and strong ethics.

Responsibilities

• Review FAFSA submissions and supporting docs for compliance.
• Process and monitor state and federal grants, scholarships, and aid.
• Advise students on aid eligibility and application procedures.
• Review student aid records and disbursement accuracy.
• Explain requirements, deadlines, and documents to maintain eligibility.
• Maintain confidential student records under FERPA.
• Collaborate with college departments to resolve student account issues.
• Stay informed on aid regulations through training.
• Participate in outreach events and student orientation.
• Serve on college committees and support institutional goals.

Skills

Accounting basics

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Work under pressure

Ethics and compliance

Education

Associates degree or college coursework

Job description

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for administering and processing state and federal financial aid programs in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This position reviews student financial aid applications, verifies eligibility, awards financial aid, and assists students throughout the financial aid process. The specialist serves as a resource to students, families, and college employees by providing accurate information regarding financial aid programs, policies, and procedures while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of student records.

Specific Position Duties

• Review and verify information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) and supporting documentation, making corrections and updates as required to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Process, award, adjust, and monitor state and federal grants, scholarships, and other aid programs through both individual and batch processing methods.
• Serve as a financial aid advisor by assisting current and prospective students with questions regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, award offers, satisfactory academic progress, and available funding options.
• Review student financial aid records and account statements to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and ensure accurate disbursement of funds.
• Assist students in understanding financial aid requirements, deadlines, and documentation needed to maintain eligibility.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation while safeguarding confidential information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with other college departments to resolve student account issues and provide exceptional customer service.
• Stay informed of changes in federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations through ongoing training and professional development.
• Participate in outreach activities, financial aid workshops, and student orientation events as assigned.
• Serve on college committees and participate in institutional initiatives, meetings, and special projects as assigned, contributing to the achievement of departmental and college goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree or college coursework plus experience in personal accounting, high school/higher education or social program.
• Computer and business math skills.
• Organizational skills and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work under pressure, perform multi-tasks and meet deadlines, maintain a personable, tactful and pleasant demeanor at all times, even under stress.
• Basic knowledge of financial aid. Strong code of ethics and ability to adhere to guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Annual Salary $42,000

Hiring range

Work Hours

Work Hours Typical work hours include M - Th 8 am - 5:30 pm and Fri 8 am - 1pm. Summer hours include 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Mon - Thur Closed on Fridays

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