The Financial Aid Professional is responsible for supporting the operations/processing side of the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Professional performs needs analysis verification and resolve complex aid application issues. The Financial Aid Professional is expected to be knowledgeable about community and campus resources for students and stay uptodate on all current financial aid regulations. The individual selected for this position must also possess strong communication and customer service skills.
Requisition ID:
Employee Group: Contingency
Schedule: up to 28 hours per week
Compensation: $20.00
Reports to: Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations
Posting Opens: 10/29/2024
Posting Closes: Open until filled
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform and understand needs analysis
- Exercise professional judgment to review and resolve complex aid application issues including but not limited to: o Nonverification items such as citizenship selective service social security and other data match issues
- Foreign diploma/degree validity
- Requests for special circumstance consideration
- Requests for dependency overrides
- Financial aid suspension appeals
- Assist customers with all aspects of the financial aid application and awarding processes including but not limited to:
- Perform and understand needs analysis
- Perform verification of financial aid application data
- Determine financial aid eligibility and award federal state and institutional aid
- Provide inperson and phone services (as needed during peak times or when staffing is limited):
- Provide inperson advising to students/parents who come to the
- Financial Aid Office with financial aid questions/concerns o Develop/facilitate educational presentations to students parents staff and faculty
- Answer a variety of financial aid questions for customers who contact us by phone or email
- Attend team or staff meetings as needed
- Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customer and performing the essential functions of this position.
- Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Qualifications
- Associate Degree required
- Minimum of three years of experience with demonstrated knowledge of student financial aid regulations and program administration preferred
- Proficient in a Windows environment and experience using financial aid software products preferred
- Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with a diverse student staff faculty and business partner population
Skills
- Ability to relate to and work well with diverse community college student populations
- High level of energy enthusiasm and the ability to be innovative and creative
- Ability to maintain a positive customer and studentoriented approach in a demanding work environment
- Ability to organize work handle multiple tasks and meet timelines in a multiproject environment
- Experience in the use of electronic student information systems such as PeopleSoft Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and other Internet applications preferred
- Selfmotivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Knowledge of data reporting systems; experience with data tracking and preparing reports preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Knowledge of and compliance with FERPA regulations
- Understanding of the community college mission
- Ability to read and understand financial aid regulations as provided by the US Department of Education
Physical Demands
- The position requires long periods of sitting standing reading and writing listening and speaking
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds
Mental Demands
- Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing
- Must be able to effectively manage high stress student issues and concerns
- An interest in working with diverse student populations who represent a wide range of age ethnicity national origin and ability.
- Demonstrated responsiveness initiative and organizational and problemsolving abilities.
- Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
- A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
- High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
- Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
- Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
Working Conditions
- GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
- Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
- Ability to work in a fastpaced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.
BENEFITS
APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS
- Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age race color religion marital status sex/gender pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity gender expression height weight national origin disability political affiliation familial status veteran status or genetics in all programs activities services employment and advancement including admissions to access to treatment in or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs activities services and employment including recruitment selection retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel 143 Bostwick Avenue NE Grand Rapids MI.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority