Summary/Objective
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Assistant will assist the Director and Assistant Director in the administration of the college’s financial aid programs in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations. The assistant works in conjunction with the Office of Admissions to provide timely information and services to assist in reaching enrollment goals. This position will serve as the initial point of contact for current and prospective students as well as oversee the daily operations of the office including phones, mailings, data-entry and retrieval, and file organization.
Benefits
Lees-McRae College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical plans with wellness incentives, Aetna dental coverage with orthodontia for children, and a voluntary vision plan for all employees. Life and long-term disability insurance are employer-paid, with optional voluntary life coverage available. Employees can take advantage of flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan with up to 5% employer match after one year, and generous paid time off including vacation, sick, personal, holiday, and college-closed days. Tuition waiver benefits are available for employees and dependents, along with access to a national tuition exchange program. Additional perks include free monthly dining, discounted meal plans, and required direct deposit for payroll.
Essential Functions
- Serve as primary point of contact for current and prospective students.
- Counsel students and families using clear and understandable communication regarding the financial aid application process while providing prompt, factual responses and excellent customer service.
- Collect and maintain all required documents related to financial aid records in a manner which is consistent, organized, and meets all federal, state and institutional guidelines.
- Reviews and verifies student data and requests the necessary documents needed from students and families to complete their financial aid file.
- Perform a variety of moderately complex clerical and administrative tasks to determine eligibility and process financial aid offers.
- Make professional and appropriate decisions using critical thinking and resources as it relates to affordability and internal/external shareholders.
- Communicate with students and families to gather information and complete financial aid files.
- Maintain current knowledge of regulations, policies, application requirements and eligibility criteria for federal, state and institutional aid programs.
- Maintain compliance standards for federal and state financial aid programs; ensures conformance to federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Process, print, and mail financial aid notifications.
- Maintain integrity of student records and FERPA requirements.
- Prepare and maintain departmental files.
- Analyze various system-generated reports for the purpose of reconciliation.
- Participate in college outreach activities with emphasis in financial aid advising and services to current and prospective students. (i.e. Open Houses, High School FAFSA Nights, Scholars Day, etc.)
- Assist in preparation of statistical reports (i.e. Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), NCHEDS, and IPEDS)
- Other duties as requested or assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.
Competencies
- Strong customer service skills are required.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate sensitive and/or complex information in a confidential and straightforward manner.
- Must possess a strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy, self-motivation, and the ability to handle a heavy workload.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Must be willing to work additional hours when necessary.
- Demonstrated service aptitude with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Thoroughness and follow through are a must.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are a necessity.
- Ability to manage multiple projects as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
Normal office environment where there is no physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, noise, and the like.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel
Occasional travel for financial aid nights, college fairs, admitted student receptions, and financial aid conferences may be required.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.