Specialist - Financial Aid (Verification and Application)

Fox Valley Technical College; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 33,792 - 39,757; Full time

Job summary

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is seeking a Financial Aid – Verification and Application Specialist to ensure accurate FAFSA processing, verify student data, and review SAP appeals and professional judgments. This role supports students by resolving discrepancies and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.

The specialist will verify data, process SAP appeals, and provide counseling to students and families while maintaining high-quality service.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in finance, business administration, student services, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years in financial aid, student services, or related administrative roles; FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment experience preferred.
• Familiarity with federal financial aid regulations, FAFSA processing, verification, SAP requirements, and professional judgment guidelines.
• Proficiency in financial aid management systems (Banner, Workday) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Resolve ISIRs and reject codes by identifying missing data and guiding students to correct information to ensure accurate aid determination.
• Investigate C codes (e.g., unusual enrollment history) by collecting documentation and coordinating with the Department of Education as needed.
• Review pending ISIR transactions and follow up to avoid delays in aid packaging and disbursement.
• Conduct federal verification for selected students by reviewing tax documents and verification worksheets.
• Review SAP appeals and professional judgments for students not meeting eligibility requirements.
• Provide counseling to students and families on FAFSA completion, SAP appeals, and professional judgment processes.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with policies and federal guidelines.
• Stay current on changes to federal/state/institutional regulations related to FAFSA processing and verification.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate’s degree in finance or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Banner

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category

Regular Support Staff

FVTC Worksite

Appleton Main Campus

Hours Per Week

40

Note to Internal Applicants

Do not apply via this portal. Login to your Workday Account and Find Internal Career Opportunities through the Internal Portal.

Job Description Summary

The Financial Aid – Verification and Application Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of federal aid applications through verification of student data, as well as reviewing and processing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals and professional judgment requests. This position plays a vital role in helping students secure financial aid by completing the FAFSA process, resolving discrepancies, and reviewing unique student circumstances. The specialist ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while maintaining high-quality service for students.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Resolve Reject ISIRs: Review and resolve Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) flagged with reject codes by identifying missing or incorrect data, communicating with students for required corrections, and ensuring successful FAFSA reprocessing for accurate aid determination.
• C Code Resolution: Investigate and resolve ISIRs flagged with C codes (e.g., unusual enrollment history, citizenship, defaulted loans) by collecting necessary documentation from students, working with the Department of Education as needed, and updating the student’s aid eligibility.
• Pending ISIR Transactions Review: Regularly monitor and review pending ISIR transactions for incomplete or flagged FAFSA submissions, ensuring timely follow‑up and resolution of discrepancies to avoid delays in aid packaging and disbursement.
• Conduct federal verification for selected students by reviewing tax documents, verification worksheets, and other supporting materials.
• Review and process Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals submitted by students who do not meet SAP requirements for continued financial aid eligibility.
• Review and process requests for dependency overrides and other professional judgment adjustments, evaluating students' unique financial and/or family situations that may not be reflected on the FAFSA.
• Stay current on changes to federal, state, and institutional regulations for FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests.
• Maintain accurate records of verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and federal guidelines.
• Provide counseling to students and families on FAFSA completion, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, helping them understand the financial aid process and their eligibility.
• Deliver high‑quality customer service, responding promptly to inquiries and offering one‑on‑one assistance where needed.
• Assist in the development and revision of policies and procedures as needed to reflect changes in federal and institutional regulations.
• Participate in cross‑training initiatives within the financial aid department to gain proficiency in a variety of financial aid processes, ensuring seamless support across all areas during peak times or staff absences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in finance, business administration, student services, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or related administrative roles, with specific experience in FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment preferred.
• Strong familiarity with federal financial aid regulations, including FAFSA processing, verification, SAP requirements, and professional judgment guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid regulations, particularly related to verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, especially in reviewing financial aid applications and supporting documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial aid processes to students and families.
• Proficiency in financial aid management systems (e.g., Banner, Workday) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities, particularly during peak periods.

Work Environment

• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• The role may require some evening or weekend hours during high‑volume periods.
• Work may be completed in a hybrid environment, both in person and virtually.
• Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: This role requires extended periods of sitting while performing tasks and utilizing computer systems.
• Repetitive Motions: Capacity to perform repetitive motions, such as typing, without discomfort or injury.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with students, employees, and stakeholders, both in‑person and through electronic means.

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Statement

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FVTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Additional Information

• Starting Range: $24.53 - $28.86 per hour.
• Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data.
• Note: Internal applicants’ wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines.