Substitute Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid SpecialistThis posting is to create a pool of qualified applicants for the current and/or upcoming academic year. While the department may not be actively recruiting at this time, applicants who meet all minimum qualifications and have submitted complete application materials will be contacted if a substitute position becomes available.Performs a variety of technical duties in support of the financial aid and scholarship programs.The Financial Aid Specialist position is distinguished from the Financial Aid Technician position by additional responsibilities requiring considerable experience that may include the electronic transfer of all student applications to and from the federal government's database and providing assistance to the Assistant Financial Aid Director.Receives limited direction from appropriate supervisor; refers only unusual decisions to supervisor. May provide technical and functional direction to assigned student workers.The following duties are typical for this classification.Imports financial aid applications from the federal database for financial aid processing; renames files and forwards applications to appropriate staff for review; enters necessary corrections on applications and redistributes to staff; exports finalized applications into federal government systems.Verifies eligibility and required student information through a variety of sources, including Financial Aid Administrative Access (FAA), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursements (COD), and Selective Service (SS).Reviews and processes student files selected for verification; reviews and verifies student tax returns transcripts for accurate information; reviews student grade transcripts for satisfactory progress and dismissal.Verifies the accuracy of requesting student's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP); requests and reviews student transcripts to ensure compliance of SAP and other regulations; reviews student enrollment grades for financial aid approved appeals and for students on probation; verifies SAP components are complete and scanned into student files to receive the disbursement.Assists students at the counter; responds to questions from students, parents, and staff; provides information regarding financial aid programs including eligibility requirements, types of available assistance, and opportunities for self-help.Compiles all necessary documentation; prepares folder for each financial aid student; reviews and revises information as necessary during the award process.Determines student eligibility and financial needs according to clearly established criteria set forth by federal guidelines and District policy; assists in making initial awards, adjustments, and in the distribution of loan funds.Processes loans/financial aid awards; notifies students of awards or denial of awards; follows up with students with incomplete documentation to complete eligibility; adjusts awards based on student receiving scholarships and other outside assistance.Prepares periodic reports on accumulated expenditures and balances in preparation for fund disbursements.Maintains financial aid student records and related documentation; reviews and updates pertinent financial aid data.Stays current on legislative updates pertaining to financial aid; updates and maintains required licensure required to access federal databases.Performs other duties related to the primary job duties.The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.Core Competencies:Analyzing and Interpreting DataApply sorting, coding and categorizing rulesAnalyze dataRead reportsDraw meaning and conclusions from quantitative and/or qualitative dataCustomer FocusAttending to the needs and expectations of customerSeeks information about the immediate and longer term needs of the customerAnticipates what the customer may want or expect in a product or serviceWorks across organizational boundaries to meet customer needsReading ComprehensionUnderstanding and using written informationKnows the meaning of printed words; comprehend the literal meaning of textMake interpretations, applications, deductions, inferences, extrapolations from written informationProfessional and Technical ExpertiseApplying technical subject matter to the jobKnows the rudimentary concepts of performing the essential technical operationsCritical ThinkingAnalytically and logically evaluates information to resolve problemsFollow guide, SOP or other step by step procedures for locating the source of a problem and fixing itMay detect ambiguous, incomplete, or conflicting information or instructionsAttention to DetailFocusing on the details of work contentShows care and thoroughness in adhering to process and procedures that assure qualityApplies knowledge and skill in recognizing and evaluating details of workApplies skilled final touches on productsUsing TechnologyWorking with electronic hardware and software applicationsUsing basic features and functions of software and hardwareExperiments and finds novel uses for standard features and functionsAdds, improves, modifies, or develops features and functionalityTeam Work/Involving OthersCollaborating with others to achieve shared goalsEngages others for suggestions and ideasWritingCommunicating effectively in writingUsing correct writing mechanics including spelling, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structureLogically orders and structures ideas and progression of thoughtAdaptabilityResponding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requiresAccept and adjust to changes and the unfamiliarInnovationImagining and devising new and better ways of doing thingsFix what is broken; find solutions and fixes with resources at handFinds new approaches to performing familiar tasksCreate and invent new ideas; envision the unexpected, unexplored, untriedListeningComprehend and verbal instructions and orally presented informationRecalls or retrieves key points in a conversationListen actively by rephrasing others' input cogently and accuratelyLegal and Regulatory NavigationUnderstanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulationsLocates, understands, or provides factual regulator informationWorks within the bounds and limits of what is permissibleProfessional Integrity and EthicsFollows a clear-cut set of rulesUnderstands practical necessity of rules and ethical guidelinesShows consistency in behavior and judgement over a long term and varied situationsValuing DiversityShows acceptance of individual differencesWelcomes input and inclusion of others who may be different from oneselfShows understanding and empathy for the challenges of groups seeking inclusion or dealing with perceived discriminationQualificationsEducation/Training: Equivalent to completion of high school supplemented by twelve (12) units of college level course work in business administration, accounting, or a related field.Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible financial aid program experience.Physical Demands and Working EnvironmentThe conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent student contact.Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 25 pounds; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand