Coach, Financial Literacy, Student Financial Aid

Position Summary

Utilizing a comprehensive case management approach, the Financial Literacy Coach will assist students and their families by providing resources and knowledge about financial resources available to help cover educational expenses and related costs. In addition, financial literacy coaches will provide a broad range of activities that support student success and financial literacy attainment throughout the student’s entire academic life cycle at Dallas College.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the purpose of community colleges and the vision of Dallas College.
• Ability to interpret, understand and apply comprehensive knowledge of innovative technology platforms related to and in support of the holistic student experience.
• Experience participating in or supporting change initiatives including knowledge and skill in process improvement, project planning, conflict resolution, team building, customer service, and data-based decision-making concepts.
• Ability to balance an analytical mind and a compassionate heart.
• Strong belief in the value of education coupled with the ability to manage structured regulatory requirements alongside the personal, human-centered experience.
• Possess a professional and collaborative demeanor. A personality that has the ability to address and resolve conflicts with integrity and compassion, and that can actively develop effective relationships at all levels.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately.
• An understanding of contemporary issues in higher education.
• Ability to identify, address, and collaborate with other team members on solutions to barriers preventing a significant portion of our population from having a job that pays a living wage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, complex ideas, and information to a variety of stakeholders/constituents within the Dallas College community network related to career and academic requirements.

Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree, bachelor’s preferred.
• Official transcripts required. Two (2) years of experience in a higher education setting with demonstrated experience in financial aid.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond the regular 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. workday especially during heavy registration peak times including nights and weekends.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with all relevant Student Success areas to assist students and their families throughout the enrollment cycle, as it relates to financial aid, literacy, and resources to promote academic success from entry through completion.
• Support and maintain individualized financial aid (student) case management loads consisting of coaching, counseling, and advising on all aspects related to college aid and applicable funding resources. This includes assessing the students financial aid eligibility and authorizing the disbursement of funds.
• Develop and conduct specialized outreach efforts, promoting financial aid, literacy and resources during relevant Dallas College events and activities, this includes supporting community events that may also occur some evening and weekends.
• Conduct comprehensive workshop and trainings for students, families, and campus/community partners to encourage awareness and readiness in the acceptance and utilization for financial aid and resources.
• Effectively utilize financial aid data files to conduct and support multi-layered communication efforts and/or campaigns.
• Assist in the tracking outcomes of said campaigns.
• Support the development of actionable communication plans to inform plans for the college’s CRM platform, as well as other media platforms as the college website and various social media tools.
• Ensures compliance with security protocols to protect confidential data.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures that appropriate and timely follow-up is made with applicants as they move through the financial aid process.
• Utilize technology to access data, maintain records, and generate reports and communicate with others.
• Interpret, articulate, and implement a variety of regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to Financial Aid programs to ensure compliance with Dallas College, state, and federal requirements.
• Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.