Financial Aid Assistant and Customer Service Specialist

This position located in-person at the Williamson campus provides exceptional front-line service to students parents and the college community by delivering support in financial aid admissions registration and general student services. The specialist assists with onboarding new students receiving and securing documentation responding to inquiries and supporting financial aid processing in alignment with Columbia State Community College policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Provide student support services at the front desk and through virtual communication ensuring a welcoming professional and confidential environment.
• Onboard students in accordance with college policies and procedures assisting with applications FAFSA completion orientation preparation and other required steps for enrollment.
• Receive and securely submit documentation for processing ensuring compliance with FERPA and federal/state financial aid guidelines.
• Assist with financial aid and general college inquiries referring students to appropriate staff or departments when needed.
• Provide support for financial aid processing including verification tasks document tracking and communication with students regarding aid status.
• Maintain current knowledge of programs of study Satisfactory Academic Progress and course-related requirements to assist students with academic or enrollment-related questions.
• Maintain general knowledge of Dual Enrollment Grant processes and provide assistance to students and families participating in early college programs.
• Participate in campus events such as registration orientation financial aid workshops FAFSA Frenzy and other student engagement activities.
• Collaborate with the Enrollment Services and Student Affairs teams to ensure seamless delivery of student-centered services across campuses.
• Use Banner Slate Service Desk software and related systems to document interactions process student information and track communication.
• Support development oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment progression retention and graduation growth for the service area.

Supplemental Functions

• Support departmental communication efforts including chatbots websites and outreach materials.
• Assist with data entry filing correspondence purchase orders and other administrative functions.
• Provide cross-training and backup assistance to other offices as needed.
• Participate in professional development and training to maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations and student affairs processes.

Education Training and Experience

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and customer service experience in an office or service setting

Preferred:

• Associates degree in Business Office Administration or a related field
• Experience in financial aid admissions or other college student services functions.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of financial aid admissions records and registration functions in a higher education setting.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook Word Excel) Banner and related student information systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities stay organized and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of students and the department.

Working Conditions

• Regular schedule: Monday Friday 9:30 am 6:00 pm; some morning and weekend hours required during peak enrollment periods
• Requires sitting standing and extended use of computer terminal
• Occasional travel to other campuses high schools or recruitment events within the service area
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. and perform standard office movement and activity

Hiring Salary Range:$35190 - $42230

This position is based at the Williamson TN Campus.

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessees first community college (established in 1966) Columbia State is committed tocommitted to student success both in and out of the classroom as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical dental vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion creed ethnicity or national origin disability age status as a protected veteran genetic information or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment programs and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources

1665 Hampshire Pike Columbia TN 38401