Financial Aid Specialist

Title : Financial Aid Specialist

Agency : J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Location : Henrico - 087

FLSA : Nonexempt

Hiring Range : $41,000

Full Time or Part Time : Full Time

Job Description :

Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties.

Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance.

Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a racially diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students.

We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.

• This position performs central office administrative support functions for the college’s financial aid office. Duties include application review and verification of status changes;
• d; reviewing SAP / PJ appeals and rendering sound, unbiased, fair, and consistent decisions; contacting students via mail or telephone to obtain information;

cross-referencing data to ensure eligibility; data entry functions; and providing exceptional frontline services to prospective students, current students, alumni, staff, faculty, and the general public by delivering information and guidance regarding financial aid and general college enrollment processes.

The core duties of this role will include :

• Counsel and advise students, parents, faculty, and staff on the various financial aid programs and regulations during in-person visits and virtual appointments or phone calls.
• Accept and review financial aid documents for completion and accuracy, then forward them for processing through the office imaging system in compliance with federal, state, and college record retention policies.
• Refer constituents as necessary to appropriate enrollment service specialists, student affairs units, college services, and academic departments.
• Provide guidance on completing all financial aid requirements online and in print to include the FAFSA.
• Advise students of Financial Aid Course Audit (FACA) regulations.
• Record all student interactions in the Student Information System (SIS).
• Utilize EAB Navigate for walk-in and appointment check-ins.
• Provide assistance through 3rd party student support escalation platform (Anthology) and ensure knowledgebase updates are made in accordance with regulatory and policy changes.
• Provide response to all communication within 48 hours.
• Notify supervisor of any perceived issues, including administrative or systems-related issues, that may be negatively impacting students or rendering the institution our of compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Minimum Qualifications :

Working knowledge of student financial aid programs, operations and services. Working knowledge of federal and state regulations and statute, and institutional policies and procedures related to student financial aid.

Demonstrated ability to counsel students, parents and college community regarding financial aid matters utilizing a high level of customer service;

and to effectively interpret policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to independently perform various financial aid program functions such as reviewing applications and documentation, determining eligibility, and maintaining appropriate records.

Demonstrated ability to resolve problems and effectively utilize organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work and contribute in a team environment;

and to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a diverse population. Preferred Qualifications :

Demonstrated knowledge of course work in business administration, human services counseling, a social science or related field is preferred.

Current work experience in financial aid programs / operations / services is preferred. Public contact experience, preferably in higher education.

Computer experience, preferably with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and the Internet. Financial Aid Certifications awarded through NASFAA is preferred.