Full-Time Financial Aid Assistant

Full-Time Financial Aid Assistant

Employer

Pitt Community College
1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590
Phone: 252-493-7200

Job Location

Main Campus, Winterville, NC

Salary/Grade

$35,954.00-$44,942.00

Benefits

State of NC Full Time Benefits

Job Category

  • Clerical

Application Period

Opens: Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Closes: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Target Start Date

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Expected Work Hours

M-F

Reports to

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Employment Type

Full-Time Position

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business math, computers, counseling, or a related field and three to five years of experience in a clerical/accounting position with public contact and computer experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Previous financial aid experience would be very beneficial.  

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Requirements:  Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computer, typewriter, calculator, copier, etc.  Must be physically able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  Position involves sedentary work, which requires sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.  Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of approximately twenty pounds.
 
Data Conception:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
 
Interpersonal Communication:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes the giving of instructions to students and the giving of assignments to assistants.  Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.
 
Language Ability:  Requires the ability to read a variety of documents and reports.  Requires the ability to prepare documents and reports such as pre-registration /registration lists, ineligible programs list, general financial aid recipient report, detailed financial aid reports, program review report, etc., using the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.  Requires the ability to communicate with co-workers, other College personnel, students, personnel from other colleges, etc., with poise, voice control, and confidence.
 
Intelligence:  Has the ability to apply rational systems such as accounting, counseling, personnel, etc., in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
 
Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.
 
Numerical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages and decimals; determine time and weight; apply algebraic principles; and apply descriptive statistics.
 
Form/Spatial Aptitude:  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
 
Motor Coordination:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in utilizing automated office equipment.

Manual Dexterity:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.  Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
 
Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity:  Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.
 
Interpersonal Temperament:  Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
 
Physical Communication:  Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)

Knowledge of Job:  Has thorough knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of the Student Development Services Division as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Financial Aid Assistant. Has knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of the College as they pertain to duties of the position. Has comprehensive knowledge of rules, regulations, and guidelines governing various loans and grants, and is able to ensure that all are adhered to in processing applications for same. Has considerable knowledge of accounting practices and procedures as they apply to the position.  Has considerable knowledge of computer and other specialized equipment used in the performance of responsibilities. Has knowledge of the necessary forms and records to be prepared, reviewed, and maintained. Is able to prepare, review, and maintain necessary forms in an accurate and organized manner.  Has good human relations skills. Is able to counsel with students effectively, providing appropriate information, and answering questions in an educated manner. Has good knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Is able to apply commonsense understanding to perform repetitive tasks.  Is able to understand and exercise the principles of rational systems, e.g. bookkeeping/accounting, etc.  Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to use independent judgment in routine and occasional non-routine situations related to dealing with highly emotional students.  Is able to comprehend and complete detailed oral and written instructions and daily work assignments efficiently and in a timely manner as prescribed. Is able to communicate in a courteous and effective manner with College employees, supervisors, co-workers, students, and all other groups and agencies involved in the activities of the department.  Has knowledge of the established standards of quality of work to be maintained in the performance of the job.  Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.  Has good accounting, clerical, and human relations skills. Is able to work under stressful conditions related to meeting tight deadlines, heavy workload, and dealing with upset students.  Is able to make sound, educated decisions.
 
Quality of Work:  Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.   Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all College departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.
 
Quantity of Work:  Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific Duties and Responsibilities."
 
Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines.  Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, College policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
 
Attendance:  Attends work regularly and adheres to College policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
 
Initiative and Enthusiasm:  Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.  Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
 
Judgment:  Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:  Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with College policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the College.  
 
Relationships with Others:  Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and College benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all College employees.   Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the College and to project a good image.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the College.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the College.  Interacts effectively with higher management, Vice President, professionals and the general public. 
 
Coordination of Work:  Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
 
Safety and Housekeeping:  Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the College and various regulatory agencies.  Sees that the standards are not violated.  Maintains a clean and orderly workplace

Position Description

Under general supervision, is responsible for reviewing student applications and supporting documents, ensuring that all Federal and State eligibility requirements and mandates are met for the purpose of awarding financial aid, performing various administrative tasks associated with programs such as Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loans, North Carolina Community College Grant, North Carolina Lottery Scholarship, North Carolina Incentive Grants, etc., and providing clerical and administrative assistance in order to ensure an effective operation of the financial aid office.  Reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid.

Scans, logs, and processes required financial aid paperwork for completed files.
 
Verifies data reported to the National Student Loan Data System database against information provided by students.
 
Advises students on withdrawals, satisfactory academic progress, and timeframe.
 
Views transcript data and degree program to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
 
Encodes financial aide awards into the computerized Student Information System.
 
Contacts students to request additional information required to resolve discrepancies.
 
Performs administrative tasks associated with specific programs.
 
Assists students in completing applications and forms.
 
Reviews reported tax information to ensure compliance with Federal and State guidelines and mandates.
 
Calculates student eligibility for aide by reviewing Estimated Family Contribution, Cost of Attendance, and Unmet Need.
 
Files electronically corrections to students FAFSA’s.
Attends conferences and workshops to keep current with regulatory changes.
 
Responds to inquiries in person and by telephone about the financial aid awarding process to parents, students, and staff.
 
Investigates and resolves discrepancies in any information that could impact eligibility such as reported income, household size, assets, etc.
 
Reviews student transcripts to ensure that they are making satisfactory academic progress.
 
Assists in the authorization the release of refund checks to students after verifying they have not violated required attendance policies.
 
Requests that the Director review any student files that exhibit special circumstances possibly warranting Professional Judgement determinations.
 
Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as tax forms, verification forms, loan applications, academic transcripts, Department of Social Services forms, and supporting documents submitted for financial eligibility.
                                      
Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as number of files worked, merge letters, student financial aid records, and reports associated with specific grant or loan programs.
 
Refers to Financial Aid Policy Manual, Financial Aid Handbook, Curriculum Program Book, Pitt Community College catalog, NASFAA Directory, SAR/ISIR Comment Code Book, policy and procedure manuals, computer manuals, codes / laws / regulations, publications and reference texts, etc.
 
Operates a variety of office equipment and machines such as computer, scanner, fax machine, telephone, TDD machine, etc.
 
Uses a variety of tools such as adding machine, standard office tools, etc.; a variety of supplies such as secretarial supplies, computer supplies, general office supplies, etc.; and a variety of software such as Microsoft Word, Datatel, Microsoft Excel, GroupWise, etc.
 
Interacts and communicates with various individuals and groups such as Director of Financial Aid, students, coworkers, parents, faculty, staff, and the general public.
 
Performs general office duties.
 
Attends staff meetings.
 
Serves on campus wide committees.
 
Performs other related duties as required.

Job Post Contact