Lead Financial Aid Specialist

Position Summary

This position involves advanced and varied administrative work requiring a high level of skill and increased decision-making responsibilities and knowledge of Student Financial Services. The Lead Financial Aid Specialist prepares a variety of typewritten documents; executes a variety of administrative procedures, files and manages records; receives callers and visitors, and performs related work as assigned. They frequently develop and refine work routines and are expected to carry out the assignments through to completion with a minimum of supervision. Work also includes devising and implementing new work methods, interpreting rules and procedures.

• Online application
• Current résumé
• Copy of college transcripts (Transcript of college work verifying degree requirement; must include degree awarded and date confirmed. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted before the deadline, but official transcripts must be received if employed.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the Alabama State Grant Scholarship Program, Pathways to Progress Initiative, and Re(Engage).
• Oversee the SEOG Program.
• Manage the Lifetime Eligibility for Pell.
• Oversee the Financial Aid Calendar.
• Organize the Director of Student Financial Services’ calendar.
• Manage ETV/Fostering Hope Scholarships.
• Assist with R2T4’s.
• Assist with Professional Judgements.
• Manage Consortium Agreements & Tuition Waivers
• Receive, input and process paperwork ensuring items are submitted in a timely manner.
• Discern when confidentiality in work needs to be maintained and maintain that confidentiality.
• Alert supervisor of any issues that are in need of upper management attention.
• Communicate with customers (students, faculty and staff, the public) in person, via email and/or phone to disseminate and explain information and resolve issues.
• Perform all duties with professionalism.
• Assist with the Director with special projects.
• Assist with athletic scholarships.
• Assists in the preparation and managing of departmental budgets.
• Proof and edit correspondence and documents.
• Input and process purchase orders as well as other information into Banner.
• Create and maintain filing systems.
• Order supplies.
• Answer a multi-line phone system and direct calls appropriately.
• Greet in-person visitors and respond to their needs appropriately.
• Type and transcribe letters, memos and other correspondence or written documentation.
• Prepare meeting agendas and take meeting minutes when needed.
• Operate a computer and other standard office equipment in the performance of duties.
• Print missing information letters for students.
• Assist Director and Assistant Director with Pell Grant and Student Loan files.
• Screen and route incoming mail including email.
• Submit maintenance work orders.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two (2) years (64 semester hours) of postsecondary education from an accredited institution and a minimum of three (3) years of related work experience is required.
• Ability to utilize Excel or other database software to sort and manage lists and reporting is required.
• Ability to utilize Word or other word processing tools to prepare and communicate information including mail merge is required.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of community college policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Banner or a related software.
• Knowledge of the financial aid, including the process for applying (including FAFSA).
• Knowledge of basic IRS documentation and tax processes related to financial aid such as IRS 1040 form.
• Knowledge of SAP policies.
• Knowledge of rules of grammar.
• Knowledge of generally accepted office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of general budgeting and accounting processes and procedures and tracking.
• Knowledge of FERPA.
• Skill in operating a mouse to control a computer.
• Skill in operating a computer including tablets.
• Skill in utilizing a multi-line phone system.
• Skill in operating a fax machine, copier, scanner, calculator, printer, and typewriter.
• Ability to make decisions based on correspondence, data or other information.
• Ability to utilize and search the internet for information.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize issues.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to utilize email systems to communicate information.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to greet individuals of any background with friendliness, tact and courtesy.
• Ability to draft letters and other correspondence.
• Ability to proof and correct materials according to rules of grammar and business etiquette.
• Ability to operate in high pressure situations and respond to issues in a calm manner.
• Conscientious- care about how work is done and wanting to do a good job.
• Initiative- responding to downtime by taking responsibility to do other work.
• A focus on details.
• A focus on being friendly and patient in responding to customer need.
• Willingness and desire to learn new things and apply that learning.
• Willingness to maintain flexibility in order to meet customer needs.
• A positive attitude regardless of circumstances at hand.
• Confidence in decision-making and communication skills.

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Finalist will be required to provide official transcripts that are mailed directly to the Office of Human Resources at Calhoun Community College from the institution(s) granting the credits.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:
In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

Calhoun Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all post secondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Calhoun Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. The college reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding.More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. Calhoun Community College participates in the E-Verify system to verify employment eligibility for all newly-hired employees.

Calhoun Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Calhoun Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Specific questions regarding Calhoun's educational programs, admissions, and other matters related specifically to the College should be forwarded directly to the college.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.calhoun.edu

P.O. Box 2216
Decatur, AL 35609
256-306-2590
256-306-2591
jobs@calhoun.edu

Sick Leave
All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns one day of sick leave which is the equivalent of 8 hours of sick leave per month. Unused sick leave is rolled over to the following year. Upon retirement, employees are allowed to convert unused sick time into service time for the purpose of retirement. Further retirement benefits may be found on this page under Alabama Teacher's Retirement.

• Single $ 30
• Family (without Spouse but with dependents) $ 207
• Employee + Spouse (no dependents) $ 282
• Family (with Spouse and dependents*) $ 307

• Includes $100 per month spousal surcharge Note: The spousal surcharge does not apply to spouses who are independently eligible for PEEHIP.

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

• Cancer, Indemnity, and Vision Single or Family (cost per plan) $ 38
• Dental Single $ 38 Dental Family $ 50

• 1/3 waived after 1st year
• 2/3 waived after 2nd year
• 3/3 waived after 3rd year