"Financial Aid Assistant"

Overview

The Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for providing customer service, assisting in administering Title IV and state financial aid programs, and participating in College outreach efforts.

This position will be open until filled, with a first review date of April 7, 2025. After this date, the recruitment may close without further notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional frontline customer service and guidance to students, applicants and the public.

1. Assist students by phone, by email, in person, and virtually with the completion of financial aid applications and tasks, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Direct Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling, and federal and institutional supplemental financial aid documentation, including verification worksheets. Serve as primary point of contact for all financial aid inquiries.
2. Proactively communicate with all newly admitted students to inform them of options for paying for college and services offered by financial aid department.
3. Communicate clearly and effectively regarding the financial aid process and requirements.
4. Leverage knowledge of financial aid programs and College operations to provide solutions to student concerns or issues that arise. Escalate concerns as appropriate.
5. Assist students in the resolution of Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) comment codes.
6. Monitor and manage departmental incoming mail, voicemail, and email. Ensure that all student communications are satisfactorily addressed in a timely fashion.
7. Mail letters to students regarding tracking requirements, award notification, exit counseling requirements, and other letters as needed.
8. Notify students of ineligible repeated coursework.
9. Meet with students to complete required loan reviews, which include discussion of federal loan limits, alternative loan options, recommending options other than borrowing, and addressing any concerns the student has regarding loan limits.
10. Maintain student confidentiality while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Provide cross-functional support for College outreach efforts.

1. Coordinate with the recruitment department to plan and conduct financial aid outreach efforts with district high schools.
2. Assist other departments with events for prospective and current students throughout each semester.
3. Deliver financial aid information to current and prospective students through on-campus presentations and outreach events in the community.

Educate students regarding external funding opportunities. Record funding sources in Banner to prevent over awards.

1. Research relevance of external scholarship offerings. Promote scholarships to internal and external audiences as appropriate.
2. Coordinate with other departments and Blackhawk Technical College Foundation to confirm student financial need for non-Title IV funding sources, and ensure that these sources are entered into Blackhawk as other financial assistance.
3. Process Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funding requests and verify student enrollment and eligibility.

Assists in processing of documentation and the administration of financial aid programs.

1. Complete initial review of tracking forms submitted by students to ensure they are complete, signed, and dated.
2. Review student financial aid files to ensure that all files are complete and contain all required documentation. Submit complete files for review and awarding.
3. Review and process additional unsubsidized loan requests and summer financial aid requests.
4. Monitor and update tracking requirements based on Cognos reports and data collection.
5. Scan and index all financial aid award letters and documentation received from students.
6. Update FAFSA Processing System V4 and V5 verification records.
7. Review National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) transfer monitoring alerts.
8. Review and monitor consortium agreement and collaborative program students, including verifying enrollment.
9. Import/export files from/to the Department of Education via EDConnect. Upload files to Banner.
10. Run Banner Authorization and Consent processes to post codes to tracking.

Other Duties.

1. Assist in reviewing and updating financial aid forms annually to reflect new regulations and required procedures. Assist with related website and online catalog updates.
2. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to update and increase knowledge of the financial aid programs. Some travel may be required.
3. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Strong computer knowledge including Microsoft Office Suite.
2. Ability to read, understand and interpret organizational policies and procedures, government agency regulations/guidelines, financial aid guidelines and other technical documents/publications.
3. Good verbal communication and listening skills with the ability to communicate facts, explain procedures and answer questions from managers, staff, students, and the general public.
4. Aptitude to make oral presentations to small groups and respond to questions from the audience.
5. Ability to interact with diverse populations.

Education & Experience:

1. Associate degree in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in financial aid, student services, or administrative support.

Blackhawk Technical College does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.