Financial Aid Representative

Blue Cliff College•Gulfport, MS

1d•$45,000 - $55,000

About The Position

Blue Cliff College is seeking a Financial Aid Representative. Financial Aid Representatives help guide students through the financial aid process, analyze and evaluate student financial needs to determine the best course of action, have a thorough knowledge of various federal, state, and college financial aid packages, and be able to refer potential candidates to the appropriate source. In addition the person in this position will offer information and advice regarding eligibility criteria and responsibilities, help explain policies, provide guidance through the application process, and is responsible for tracking all financial aid documents during the process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or Accounting preferred.
One (1) to three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional-level administrative experience in a financial aid setting.
Knowledge of federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students.
Knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, and regulations such as Federal Title IV regulations.
Various software programs and data systems as they relate to financial aid.
Planning and organizational skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy.
Demonstrate analytical, organizational, and supervisory skills
Ensure timely and efficient delivery of student financial assistance to qualified applicants.
Interpret federal and state financial aid regulations and determine appropriate course of action.
Monitor and award federal and state financial aid programs.
Gather, compile, and analyze data and prepare reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and administration.
Perform consistently under the pressure of deadlines and other administrative demands.
Work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

Broad skills in financial aid methodology, financial aid software, and federal regulations governing student financial aid programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Interprets, implements, and ensures the College complies with state and federal agencies by maintaining a thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid and Veterans Affairs Administration rules and regulations.
Advises students concerning financial aid opportunities, application processes, and financial management strategies; Educates students in the identification of all sources of financial aid available, including the requirements and regulations within programs.
Effectively communicates to students the importance of submitting documentation for file completion. This can be in the form of calling the student, going to the classroom to retrieve the student, and sometimes receiving authorization from the Director of Financial Aid to block the student from attending class.
Determines eligibility and awards financial aid applicants utilizing various software packages. This includes processing applications and corrections, document tracking, completing the verification process, generating tracking. and award notifications
Generates and prepares status and project reports for the financial aid and veterans’ affairs program.
Responds to student inquiries.
Communicate with appropriate state and federal agencies to resolve any conflicting issues as needed.
Works with Admissions to ensure that issues with enrolling students have been identified and resolved in a timely manner.
Maintains responsibility for specific student portfolio groups throughout the student program.
Works closely with the Business Office (if applicable) to ensure that all forms of monies are reconciled and files are resolved.
Assists the Corporate Office with the collection of funds and resolving verification issues in a timely manner.
Scan all financial aid documents and send them to the Corporate Office.
Run Expected Cash and Aged Reports to assist in monitoring monies.
Run daily ISIR Report to track possible issues with verification.
Assist with the reconciliation of all Title IV programs.
Other duties as assigned.