Financial Aid Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Financial Aid Specialist at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond provides exceptional frontline customer service to prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the public by offering information, assistance, and guidance regarding financial aid and enrollment processes.

The role requires knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, the ability to explain options clearly, and strong communication skills; the department emphasizes

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand and address diverse student needs and enrollment challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication, with professional and courteous interactions.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, assistance, and guidance regarding financial aid and enrollment processes.
• Assist students and families in understanding financial aid options, eligibility requirements, and available resources.
• Provide exceptional frontline customer service to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the public.

Skills

Financial aid regulations knowledge

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Title: Financial Aid Specialist

Agency: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Location: Richmond (City) - 760

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $43,000 - $45,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description

Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.

The Financial Aid Specialist provides exceptional frontline customer service to prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public by providing information, assistance, and guidance regarding financial aid and college enrollment processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
• General understanding of student needs and challenges, including financial barriers that may affect enrollment and academic success.
• Ability to understand and follow established financial aid policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to assist students and families in understanding financial aid options, application processes, eligibility requirements, and available resources.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service by responding to students, families, and other constituents in a professional, courteous, timely, and supportive manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial aid information clearly and effectively to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team while establishing positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in counseling, education, student services, or a related field.
• Experience providing guidance and assistance to individuals in an advisory or student support capacity.
• Experience working in a college or higher education environment.