Financial Aid Specialist

Montgomery College; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework one day per week

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Montgomery College in Rockville seeks a Full-Time Financial Aid Specialist to advise students and families on federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The role evaluates applications, awards aid, and performs related administrative tasks within a unionized, non-exempt setting.

The position supports evening outreach, some Saturdays, and one day of telework after a six-month probation. A strong customer service orientation and knowledge of aid systems are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required.
• Three years in a student Financial Aid Office.
• Knowledge of federal/state/institutional financial aid policies.
• Familiarity with loans, work-study or similar programs.
• Ability to analyze needs and evaluate aid applications.
• Proficiency with financial aid data systems.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on financial aid regulations and eligibility.
• Evaluate applications and award aid according to policy.
• Assist students during the application process.
• Perform fund reconciliations and audits as needed.
• Assist with Federal Work Study program administration.
• Maintain data and generate reports.
• Supervise student workers if applicable.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Office procedures

Excel

Data management systems

Multi-tasking

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Student financial aid data systems

Job description

Montgomery College, Central Services location in Rockville, is seeking candidates for a Full-Time Financial Aid Specialist. The regular work schedule is 40 hour a week, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with ability to accommodate departmental needs to cover required evenings and occasional Saturday outreach activities as needed. This is a bargaining, non-exempt, grade 25 position. This position is currently eligible for telework one (1) day per week. This eligibility will take effect after a six-month probationary period and is subject to change based on the needs of the unit. Montgomery College promotes and creates a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, belonging, and inclusiveness.

Role Overview

Under general supervision, the Financial Aid Specialist follows established policies and procedures, and advises prospective and current students and their family representatives regarding participation in federal, state and institutional financial aid programs including eligibility, regulations, policies and procedures through in-person, phone and email conversations. The Financial Aid Specialist will evaluate applications and award financial aid to students. The work consists of performing administrative and technical activities of financial aid programs.

Duties

• Advise students and their family representatives regarding financial aid regulations, the application policies and procedures, and methods used to determine eligibility, as well as review and explain specific program requirements, limits and ongoing eligibility, disbursement and appeal procedures, and other related financial matters.
• Support the administration of the financial aid program and/or process.
• Provide help to students when completing the application process.
• Perform program fund reconciliations and audits when needed.
• Assist with the Federal Work Study Program.
• Evaluate financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility in accordance with state, federal and institutional policies governing financial aid.
• Award financial aid to eligible students using established guidelines.
• Evaluate potential exceptions to policies and regulations and elevate to higher level financial aid workers.
• Facilitate and/or participate in program specific or financial aid outreach activities.
• Maintain statistical data and review generated reports.
• May supervise student workers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• Three years experience working in a student Financial Aid Office.
• Working knowledge of current Student Financial Aid Office policies and procedures, state and federal financial aid regulations and policies, and institutional policies governing financial aid.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following programs: loans, work study or other federal or state program.
• Ability to perform needs analysis and evaluate applications for financial aid while interpreting and applying complex regulations.
• Skill in the use of student financial aid data management systems.
• Thorough knowledge of customer service techniques for public contact.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations (including serving a diverse community) with ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, and work effectively with others within and outside of the institution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Thorough knowledge of office procedures and practices with ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks in a demanding office environment.
• Skilled in use of business English, spelling, grammar and conventional styles and formats used in office communications.
• Ability to perform general office clerical work, apply technical rules and procedures, and perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Operate common office equipment including desktop computers and relevant pc hardware and software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite to include extensive work in Excel.
• The equivalent combination of education, training, certification and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in higher education.

Hiring Range: $29.51- $38.35 annually. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimum and midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this position is $47.20.

As a condition of employment, the following are required at the time of hire: Successful completion of a background check and degree verification (if applicable). Participation in a Maryland State Retirement System plan (Pension or Optional Retirement Plan, depending on the position). If you are already retired from the Maryland State Retirement System, you may not enroll in a Maryland State Retirement System plan at Montgomery College and may have earnings restrictions, per state law.

Benefits

Our benefits package includes: generous paid vacation, sick, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, group legal benefits, professional development, retirement plan, educational assistance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, wellness programming including onsite gyms, pools and classes.

For a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management at 240-567-5353 or [e-mail]. We require at least two weeks advance notice to enable us to provide the requested accommodation.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff.

Other Information

Montgomery College is a tobacco-free and smoke-free workplace.

Closing Date Open Until Filled

Montgomery College is Maryland’s premier community college, serving more than 40,000 students each year through credit courses and beyond credit programs. Montgomery College is one of Maryland’s most diverse community colleges, which includes more than 164 nations represented in our student body.

Do you want to join us in our mission of providing an exceptional education and fostering student success? We are dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all of our students, and we recognize that our faculty and staff are integral to our continued success. Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering inclusivity and belonging among our student body, faculty, and staff. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with disabilities. As part of this commitment, Montgomery College will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations, with at least two weeks’ advance notice. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management by calling 240-567-5353 or emailing [e-mail]. Montgomery College is a tobacco-free and smoke-free workplace.