Financial Aid Technician

Financial Aid Technician

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Student Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Monday Friday; 8:00 AM 5:00 PM; Weekly 40 Hours.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Financial Aid Technician provides technical and clerical support for the administration of federal state tribal and institutional financial aid programs with a primary focus on Title IV Pell Grant awarding and the Federal Work-Study Program. This position supports students through the financial aid process by assisting with documentation data entry eligibility review and compliance-related tasks. The Technician serves as a key point of contact for students and campus partners maintains accurate financial aid records and supports program monitoring and reporting in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties skills efforts requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to reflect the current job accurately management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Student Support & Front-Line Assistance - 30%
  • Serve as a first point of contact for students parents faculty and staff regarding financial aid processes application requirements deadlines and
  • Provide basic information and assistance related to financial aid programs under established policies and procedures.
  • Assist students with completing financial aid forms and responding to requests for documentation.
  • Route complex questions appeals or exceptions to the Financial Aid Officer or Manager as appropriate.
  • Maintain professional respectful communication while supporting student access and customer service.

• Application Processing & Verification Support - 20%
  • Collect review and process financial aid applications and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
  • Assist with verification activities by comparing FAFSA data tax documentation and verification worksheets.
  • Identify conflicting or missing information and request additional documentation from students.
  • Track and update financial aid files through the processing cycle to support timely awarding.

• Awarding & Eligibility Processing Support - 20%
  • Assist with the processing and entry of Title IV Pell Grant awards under established guidelines.
  • Enter and update financial aid data in the financial aid management system.
  • Support the monitoring of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and assist with notifications and record updates.
  • Flag potential eligibility issues or unusual circumstances for review by senior financial aid staff.
  • Ensure aid awards remain within Cost of Attendance limits.

• Federal Work-Study Program Support - 20%
  • Assist with the day-to-day administration of the Federal Work-Study Program including award setup work authorizations and student employment
  • Monitor student work hours and earnings and report discrepancies to supervisors.
  • Maintain FWS records and assist with monthly and bi-weekly usage reports.
  • Support compliance requirements including documentation related to reading tutor or family literacy placements.
  • Coordinate with Payroll and Human Resources to ensure accurate student employment coding.

• Compliance Records & Systems Support - 10%
  • Maintain accurate complete and confidential student financial aid records in compliance with FER PA and federal regulations.
  • Assist with routine data checks and reporting to identify discrepancies.
  • Support annual audits program reviews and file reviews as assigned.
  • Utilize financial aid and student information systems including PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar under established procedures.
  • Adhere to the financial aid calendar to ensure deadlines are met.

• Other Duties as Assigned as needed
  • Perform other related duties in support of the Office of Financial Aid.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Associate degree in Business Administration Education Accounting or a related field. One (1) year of experience working in financial aid higher education student services counseling or related fields.

Preferred:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Education Accounting Finance or related field. One (1) year of experience working in financial aid higher education student services counseling or related

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and administration of Federal State and Tribal financial aid programs within the Federal State Tribal and institutional compliance.
• Experience in presentations webinars or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.
• Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.
• Experience in Financial Aid or Educational software programs. (Jenzabar PowerFAIDSetc.)

Skills:

• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office (MS365): Excel Word etc.
• Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; writing oral active listening and interpersonal skills
• Work effectively in team situations
• Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner
• Excellent listening skills; patient and clam

Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person.
• Detail-oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues.
• Ability to understand and explain to others technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
• Ability to create presentations webinars and create resources.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to adapt to system process and procedure changes.

Physical Requirements Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is typically done within an Office Work Environment.
• At times the Financial Aid Advisor is required to lift typical office equipment and supplies.
• Travel required to other campuses and sites.
• Travel required by vehicle and at times by air to conferences/trainings out of state.
• Able to work in a high-pressure office setting during peak business times of the year.

Other Requirement(s):

• Valid State Drivers License.
• Candidate must clear a pre-employment background check to ensure compliance with institutional federal and tribal Financial Aid regulations.

Please upload all documents relevant to the position you are applying for. This should include at a minimum;

(1) Resume

(2) Three Letters of Recommendation (Dated within One-Year from the Application) and

(3) Copies of Academic Transcripts.

Other documents may be required for the position for example if claiming Navajo Preference upload your CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood) or DD-214 if claiming Veterans Preference. Please upload and appropriately title those documents if the position requires additional certification and/or licensures.

Note: if any documents are missing or not uploaded your application will not be complete and therefore not considered.

Required Experience:

IC