Evaluate and process applications for financial assistance; ensure the expeditious handling of aid applications to include monitoring changes in eligibility; and advise and educate students and parents regarding the financial aid process and eligibility requirements.  Help ensure institutional compliance with DOE regulations by accurately interpreting and communicating regulations for students and various institutional personnel.

Counsel veterans concerning enrollment requirements and benefit eligible academic programs; ensure that eligible veterans receive all VA benefits to which they are entitled; submit enrollment updates as required; and work with the student VA organization on an as-needed basis.

Essential Job Functions

• Counsels/advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, awarding policies, costs, billing process, indebtedness, and financial planning.
• Performs processes for applications, grant/scholarships, student employment, and SAP review; recalculates aid eligibility.
• Conducts thorough verification of student data provided on FAFSA application, reviews student files, and resolves conflicts and discrepancies in accordance to federal and state regulations.
• Maintains accurate, easily accessible records of all financial aid programs for auditing and evaluation purposes in accordance with FERPA and Higher Education Act privacy laws and guidelines.
• Collects and maintains all required documents related to financial aid applications and VA/military records in a manner which is consistent, organized and meets all federal, state and institutional guidelines.
• Prepares applicable financial aid reports related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Actively promotes the availability and accessibility of financial aid programs and veteran/military educational benefits to the community.
• Represents the Financial Aid & Veteran Services Office during promotional events (Open Houses, Orientations, Workshops, etc.).
• Coordinates and serves as the lead point of contact in the certification of the Veteran’s Administration educational benefits program.
• Facilitates the enrollment and retention of all military, veterans, and dependents of service members by certifying VA educational benefits in a timely manner.
• Advises VA students on all factors that have a potential impact on VA educational benefits; including, but not limited to successful academic progress, credit hour requirements, changes to student schedule, and location of training or classes.
• Provides necessary correspondence to VA students regarding important information and updates to VA educational benefits, as well as changes to college processes and procedures.
• Inputs and updates military-connected student codes and information in Colleague and VA-Once system.
• Prepares and maintains required reports and documentation, in accordance with State Approving Agency (SAA) policy and audit guidelines.
• Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as assigned by administration and supervision.