Financial Aid and Verification Coordinator

Chief Objective of Position:

The Financial Aid and Verification Coordinator is responsible for performing verification on all federally and institutionally selected aid applicants, resolving c-flags, eligibility issues, and conflicting information for all financial aid applicants. The Coordinator must ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional policies and regulations. Counsels students and their families on the financial aid application process, student eligibility, and the availability of additional financial resources.

Work Tasks:

Federal Verification-

• Performs verification reviews and processes for all federally and institutionally selected students
• Receives and properly tracks a variety of financial aid documents. Reviews all documents for accuracy and ensures adherence to federal, state and university regulations
• Maintains knowledge of federal guidelines regarding verification documentation collection and processing requirements and general IRS tax policies for analysis of federal tax return data
• Completes verification reviews accurately with a less than 10% error rate. All errors found during internal quality control reviews must be resolved
• Reviews verification files within 5 business days after students submit all requested documentation
• Performs verification of household income and ensures the appropriate tax documents and schedules have been collected, reviewed, and scanned for auditing purposes, including appropriate follow-up where necessary to clarify discrepancies in documentation
• Processes student correction records in the student information system for transmission to the federal processor
• Monitors and reviews subsequent ISIR transactions and takes necessary steps to resolve any conflicting information
• Conducts a series of quality control reviews to ensure student verification notices are sent in a timely manner and that records are being tracked into the appropriate verification groups with the applicable tracking items

Needs Analysis, Awarding, and Revised Packaging-

• Stays up to date on federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance that relate to student financial aid programs
• Recalculates eligibility and makes appropriate adjustments to the student record, aid package, and/or disbursement
• Completes a series of manual reviews to include degree confirmation, housing exemptions, loan limits, lifetime eligibility, waivers, unusual enrollment history, and default clearance
• Conducts a series of quality control reviews to ensure financial awards are following federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines
• Determines the eligibility of applicants for federal, state, and university financial aid funds based on evaluation of financial need as determined by federal or state regulation and the Department of Education
• Maintains knowledge of financial aid packaging policies and best practices as identified by federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations
• Ensures that student resources and other aid funds are appropriately reported and that financial aid is packaged within the appropriate budget

Outreach and Customer Service-

• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills Maintains a caseload of students as determined by office needs
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at Open Houses, Admitted Freshman Days, community workshops, etc.
• Serves as a liaison with other University offices such as Admission, Registrar’s, Student Accounts, etc.
• Provides information regarding all of the procedures and requirements of a financial aid program and the application process
• Makes accurate assessments and evaluations of a student’s application status and financial need determination and effectively communicates this information while meeting the privacy guidelines within FERPA regulations
• Assists with coverage of front desk operations, including main office phone line, general office email, and in person student visits
• Possesses the ability to respond and communicate effectively while multi-tasking between processing tasks
• Develops and maintains positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees
• Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect
• Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service
• This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty
• Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absences
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision
• Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions
• Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) required:

• Attention to detail; ability to maintain high level of accuracy in reviewing documents and implement changes to policy quickly and effectively.
• Proven interpersonal relations skills; demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a wide range of people, especially students and parents, and counsel effectively.
• Human relations skills; develop rapport; sensitivity; listening skills; provide support for others.
• Organizational skills; initiate new ideas; handle details; decision making; manage conflict; implement decisions; manage time; meet goals, accept responsibility.
• Demonstrated administrative and interpersonal communications skills; excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to partner with others across the University and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.
• Strong computer skills to include the ability to use and understand complex computer software programs.
• Ability to adapt to change and to learn about and integrate specialized and/or upgraded software packages utilized by the University.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) preferred:

• Fluency in using standard office software packages.
• Demonstrated ability to address the essential functions associated with this position including the knowledge and abilities identified above – including knowledge of COD, FSA, ELM, and other FA websites.
• Technical fluency with Banner or equivalent information system; Microsoft Office Professional Suite, and Google mail and calendaring programs.
• Familiarity with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s financial aid programs.

Required Education:

Master’s degree in a related field; or Bachelor’s degree plus demonstrated, directly related work experiences that equates to an advanced degree.

Experience Required:

• Experience in interpreting complex policies and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with difficult situations and diffusing customer conflict.
• Experience in working with confidential records and information.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience in interpreting federal and state financial aid rules and regulations and managing and administering financial aid programs.
• Experience in processing financial aid requests and eligibility determination.
• Experience with financial aid compliance.
• Experience completing federal verification reviews, and/or experience reviewing verification documents for completion and suitability to meet requirements.
• Experience in an environment with responsibility for the management of fiscal programs.

CNU Information:

S​elected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 388​ Best Colleges: 2023 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 5,000 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide​ as 2nd among public regional universities in the South and 5th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu.

Position Detail Information

Working Title: Financial Aid and Verification Coordinator

Position Number: FA406

FLSA: Exempt

Appointment Type: Full Time

Sensitive Position: No

Sensitive Position Statement:

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.

Campus Security Authority: No

Campus Security Authority Statement:

This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel: Yes

Designated Personnel Statement:

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest: No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement:

This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position: No

Restricted Position Statement:

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: AP276P

Number of Vacancies: 1

Posting Date: 01/30/2023

Application Deadline: 02/20/2023

Application Instructions:

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

Review of applications will begin at 11:59PM EST on February 20, 2023.

Applications received after 11:59PM EST on February 20, 2023, will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Link to Posting: https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/15231

EEO Statement:

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement: