Financial Aid Technician

Diné College; Tsaile (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Diné College is seeking a Financial Aid Technician at the Tsaile Campus to provide technical and clerical support for federal, state, tribal, and institutional financial aid programs, with a focus on Title IV Pell Grant awarding and Federal Work-Study. You will assist with documentation, data entry, eligibility review, and compliance tasks.

Responsibilities include processing applications and verifications, monitoring SAP, and ensuring awards stay within cost of attendance limits.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or related field; one year of experience in financial aid or higher education.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, Finance, or related field; one year of experience in financial aid or related

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline student support for financial aid processes including applications, deadlines, and documentation.
• Process financial aid applications and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with verification activities by comparing FAFSA data, tax docs, and verification worksheets.
• Enter and update data in the financial aid system and monitor SAP status.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Project management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Active listening

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Jenzabar

Job description

Financial Aid Technician

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Student Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Weekly 40 Hours.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Financial Aid Technician provides technical and clerical support for the administration of federal, state, tribal, and institutional financial aid programs, with a primary focus on Title IV Pell Grant awarding and the Federal Work-Study Program. This position supports students through the financial aid process by assisting with documentation, data entry, eligibility review, and compliance-related tasks. The Technician serves as a key point of contact for students and campus partners, maintains accurate financial aid records, and supports program monitoring and reporting in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to reflect the current job accurately, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Student Support & Front-Line Assistance - 30%
  • Serve as a first point of contact for students, parents, faculty, and staff regarding financial aid processes, application requirements, deadlines, and
  • Provide basic information and assistance related to financial aid programs under established policies and procedures.
  • Assist students with completing financial aid forms and responding to requests for documentation.
  • Route complex questions, appeals, or exceptions to the Financial Aid Officer or Manager as appropriate.
  • Maintain professional, respectful communication while supporting student access and customer service.

• Application Processing & Verification Support - 20%
  • Collect, review, and process financial aid applications and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
  • Assist with verification activities by comparing FAFSA data, tax documentation, and verification worksheets.
  • Identify conflicting or missing information and request additional documentation from students.
  • Track and update financial aid files through the processing cycle to support timely awarding.

• Awarding & Eligibility Processing Support - 20%
  • Assist with the processing and entry of Title IV Pell Grant awards under established guidelines.
  • Enter and update financial aid data in the financial aid management system.
  • Support the monitoring of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and assist with notifications and record updates.
  • Flag potential eligibility issues or unusual circumstances for review by senior financial aid staff.
  • Ensure aid awards remain within Cost of Attendance limits.

• Federal Work-Study Program Support - 20%
  • Assist with the day-to-day administration of the Federal Work-Study Program, including award setup, work authorizations, and student employment
  • Monitor student work hours and earnings and report discrepancies to supervisors.
  • Maintain FWS records and assist with monthly and bi-weekly usage reports.
  • Support compliance requirements, including documentation related to reading tutor or family literacy placements.
  • Coordinate with Payroll and Human Resources to ensure accurate student employment coding.

• Compliance, Records & Systems Support - 10%
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student financial aid records in compliance with FER PA and federal regulations.
  • Assist with routine data checks and reporting to identify discrepancies.
  • Support annual audits, program reviews, and file reviews as assigned.
  • Utilize financial aid and student information systems, including PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar, under established procedures.
  • Adhere to the financial aid calendar to ensure deadlines are met.

• Other Duties as Assigned – as needed
  • Perform other related duties in support of the Office of Financial Aid.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or a related field. One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education, student services, counseling, or related fields.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, Finance, or related field. One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education student services, counseling, or related

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and administration of Federal, State, and Tribal financial aid programs within the Federal, State, Tribal, and institutional compliance.
• Experience in presentations, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.
• Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.
• Experience in Financial Aid or Educational software programs. (Jenzabar, PowerFAIDS,etc.)

Skills:

• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office (MS365): Excel, Word, etc.
• Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; writing, oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills
• Work effectively in team situations
• Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner
• Excellent listening skills; patient and clam

Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person.
• Detail-oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues.
• Ability to understand and explain to others technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
• Ability to create presentations, webinars, and create resources.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to adapt to system, process, and procedure changes.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is typically done within an Office Work Environment.
• At times the Financial Aid Advisor is required to lift typical office equipment and supplies.
• Travel required to other campuses and sites.
• Travel required by vehicle and at times by air to conferences/trainings out of state.
• Able to work in a high-pressure office setting during peak business times of the year.

Other Requirement(s):

• Valid State Driver's License.
• Candidate must clear a pre-employment background check to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and tribal Financial Aid regulations.