Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Patrick & Henry Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution committed to student success, lifelong learning, and enrichment of the quality of life in the region it serves. Serving Martinsville, Henry County, Patrick County, and the southern portion of Franklin County, P&HCC is a comprehensive open-door institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Patrick & Henry offers 29 associate degree programs, 12 certificate programs and 38 career studies certificate programs. The college also delivers a variety of nontraditional programs such as customized workforce development training, industry-recognized certifications, developmental and transitional programs, and courses for personal enrichment.

Organizational Objectives : P&HCC staff members work with a student population that reflects the population of Virginia. This work stands to ensure the economic mobility of all people in our service region. Knowledge and understanding of specific needs of all students and a commitment to helping each attain educational success are critical responsibilities of our institution. P&HCC continuously strives to provide students and staff with a positive environment that is welcoming and encourages connectivity through intentional behaviors that influence our campus culture and eliminates barriers to student success. Caring Campus is a collective effort to make students and employees feel welcome and connected to our college by instilling uplifting behaviors such as wearing name tags, warmly connecting students to necessary personnel, and openly engaging with students.

Purpose of Position : Counsel and advise students, parents, faculty, and staff on the various financial aid programs and regulations during in-person and off-campus visits, appointments and calls; accept and review financial aid documents for completion and accuracy; provide guidance on completing all financial aid requirements online and in print to include the FAFSA; maintain the financial aid budget; Maintain the Veterans budget; maintain the ImageNow processes; serve in all outreach capacities for financial aid; serve as contact for EAB Navigate with financial aid communications to students; to assist with Satisfactory Academic Progress processes and appeals; assist with Veterans programs; advise students of course auditor regulations. To assist students and parents in completing the financial aid process from the initial application to the receipt of student funds. Serves as lead for technologies related to the FAFSA process, course auditor and ImageNow scanning system. Monitor all SEED applicants for financial aid eligibility; other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications : Education, training, and / or work experience equivalent to an Associate's degree in Administrative Office Support. Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent computer skills; ability to maintain confidentiality; punctual; flexibility; adaptability; ability to multi-task; ability to work in a fast paced environment. Knowledge of federal and state educational financial aid programs; organizational and general office skills, including customer service, telephone etiquette, filing and records maintenance; Computer skills for data entry tasks, generation of reports and business correspondence; Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively deal with students, parents, faculty, staff and other outside agencies and organizations; Must possess exceptional oral and written communication skills to effectively assist, guide, and counsel students on the financial aid process while functioning in a fast-paced, highly demanding work environment; Must be able to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information and data; ability to interpret federal and state regulations; Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, in conjunction with excellent and courteous customer service; Ability to follow written and verbal directions; proven ability to work with diverse backgrounds; Knowledge of conflict resolution methods and ability to mediate and resolve conflicts regarding student financial aid; ability to work independently and as a team to achieve team goals.

Additional Considerations :

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer