Financial Aid Specialist I

Clovis Community College - Clovis, NM; Clovis (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Clovis Community College seeks a Financial Aid Office Assistant to support on-campus operations. This regular, full-time role offers an hourly rate of $15.92 and requires presence on campus in New Mexico.

You will advise students and families on financial aid options, process aid applications, and help with FAFSA and verification requirements. Responsibilities include interpreting federal/state aid rules, assisting with applications, verifying documents, communicating with students, processing

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with coursework in business or related area.
• Understanding of non-traditional students' complexities.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and ability to communicate to diverse audiences.
• Sensitivity to the needs of students from varied backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Understand Federal and State student aid programs, eligibility, processes, rules, and regulations.
• Assist students with submission of financial aid applications.
• Examine applications for completeness according to regulations.
• Evaluate and verify financial aid applications and supporting documents.
• Assist students with unusual circumstances including changes in financial need and appeals.
• Receive and process appeals; notify students of eligibility or ineligibility; explain appeal processes.
• Confirm student budgets and award amounts.
• Verify attendance and adjust financial aid as needed.
• Advise on aid consequences of changing or dropping classes.
• Answer emails and research to respond to students promptly.
• Process student flags and referrals from the STARFISH system.
• Track satisfactory academic progress status each semester.
• Monitor students on Financial Aid Academic Plans and other statuses.
• Check status of Drop for Non-Payment and Pending Payment Plan reports.
• File correspondence, supervise student assistants, data entry and general office duties.
• Assist front desk visitors and complete transactions as required.

Skills

Dynamic presence

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Multitasking

Teamwork

Proficiency in computer applications

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Job description

Compensation:

$15.92

CompensationType:

Hourly

Employment Type:

Regular

Grade:

NE01

Department:

Financial Aid

Position Summary

Full-time positions at Clovis Community College are not remote positions and require a physical presence on campus to fulfill duties and college-related responsibilities.

Under general supervision, provide assistance in the operation of the Financial Aid Office, including advising students and families regarding financial aid option, processing and awarding financial aid, and assisting students in the completion of the FAFSA & verification requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand Federal and State student aid programs, eligibility, processes, rules, and regulations.




• Assist students with submission of financial aid applications.




• Examine application for completeness in accordance with regulations applicable to grants and aid.




• Evaluate and verify financial aid applications and supporting documents for accuracy, clarity, and completeness according to detailed and complex federal and state rules and regulations.




• Provide assistance to students experiencing unusual circumstances including application or processing difficulties, changes in financial circumstances, inadequate resources, alternative funding options, dependency appeals, and satisfactory progress appeals.




• Receives and processes appeals; notifies students of continued eligibility or ineligibility; advises students of appeal processes.




• Confirm student budgets and awards amounts.




• Verify student attendance; adjust financial aid appropriately.




• Advise students of financial aid consequences when changing or dropping classes.




• Assists in answering emails sent to the financial aid office email address, including the necessary research, obtaining assistance from other staff when needed, and responding to the student/parent in a timely fashion.




• Process student flags and referrals from the STARFISH system.




• Track student satisfactory academic progress status each semester.




• Monitor student progress for students placed on Financial Aid Academic Plans.




• Check status of financial aid students on Drop for Non-Payment report.




• Check status of students on Pending Financial Aid Payment Plan.




• File correspondence, lead or supervise Student Assistants, data entry, and general office duties.




• Assists students, families, faculty and staff in person at the front desk. Provides information and completes transactions as required by students.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Dynamic presence, creativity, and the ability to connect the target audience are essential.




• Must possess the ability to communicate with students individually and to present information in a group setting.




• Critical thinking and interpersonal skills, ability to manage multiple tasks required.




• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of individuals and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.




• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.




• Proficiency in computer applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires frequent and continuous sitting/moving about, continuous use of fine motor skills, reaching above the shoulders, pushing and pulling of up to 20 lbs. and occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

SCHEDULE DETAILS:

Must be available to work 40 hrs. per week with normal work hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required. Travel in New Mexico and Texas will be required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include but are not limited to:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree with course work in business, social science, or related area, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.




• Must understand the complexities in relation to non-traditional students.




• Demonstrate and possess a strong understanding of cultural competency, and how to communicate effectively to different audiences.




• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

EEO STATEMENT:

As an EEO employer, Clovis Community College will not discriminate in our employment practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, serious medical condition or status as a protected veteran or spousal affiliation. Clovis Community College hires only U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.