JOB
DEFINITION:
The Financial Aid Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office by managing the main financial aid phone line and general financial aid email account, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and directing students to appropriate resources in a timely and professional manner. The Specialist promotes student access to financial aid through FAFSA outreach, application processing, and individualized student support. This position assists current and prospective students with financial aid eligibility, verification, application corrections, and related processes while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Specialist coordinates financial aid outreach and FAFSA completion activities, maintains accurate student records, provides exceptional customer service, and processes financial aid documentation to resolve eligibility issues and support timely awarding. Working collaboratively with campus departments, the Financial Aid Specialist supports efficient financial aid operations and helps ensure students have the resources needed to enroll, persist, and achieve their educational goals.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives direction from the Director of Financial Aid.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
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Serve as the primary point of contact for the Financial Aid Office by managing the main financial aid phone line and general financial aid email account, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and directing students to appropriate resources in a timely and professional manner.
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Organize and facilitate FAFSA awareness and completion events, workshops, orientations, and outreach activities in collaboration with the CFCC Recruitment Team, Marketing & Community Relations, local high schools, community organizations, and campus partners.
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Provide assistance to students and families with FAFSA completion, corrections, verification requirements, and related financial aid processes.
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Resolve routine financial aid issues and escalate complex cases to appropriate staff members as needed.
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Engage students, parents, and guardians to increase awareness of financial aid opportunities, application requirements, deadlines, scholarships, and the importance of FAFSA completion.
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Review financial aid applications, corrections, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
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Communicate with and provide customer service support to students, parents, faculty, and community members through email, phone, in-person, and digital platforms regarding eligibility, award status, required documentation, student portals, forms, and financial aid processes.
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Maintain compliance with FERPA, federal Title IV regulations, state policies, and institutional procedures while safeguarding confidential student records.
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Utilize Ellucian Colleague and other student information systems to process, update, maintain, and audit financial aid records and communications.
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Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain regulatory knowledge, procedural compliance, and best practices in financial aid administration.
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Collaborate with Student Services departments to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives as needed.
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Assist with office operations including scanning, filing, document management, mailings, event preparation, and general administrative support.
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Participate in institutional committees, enrollment initiatives, student engagement activities, commencement, and special events.
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Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Special Instructions to Applicants:
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This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
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Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
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Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
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To claim veterans’ preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.
