Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Internal Position Title: Financial Aid Specialist

Posting Number: S02443

Department:: Financial Aid

Position Type: Staff

Job Family: Specialist

Summary:
Under the administrative supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for advising and assisting students and parents with effectively accessing and receiving federal and state financial aid, as well as scholarship resources available through the College of Lake County. Reviews and awards financial aid applicants and monitors eligibility. Educates students and families through seminars and workshops. This position is also responsible for compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies governing the operations of the Financial Aid Department and the dissemination of financial aid policies and procedures.

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity? The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that currently includes BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois health, Delta dental and Superior vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a four-day work week in the summer (Fridays off!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.

In 2023, CLC became a Leader College meaning we are comprehensive community college located in northeastern Illinois committed to being an innovative educational institution providing life-changing paths for our students by offering exceptional learning experiences.

As part of the Employee Success Framework and in support of strategic pillar five, Collaborative Culture, the First Year Experience was identified as a priority in creating the ultimate employee experience with the goal of creating connections to the college's mission, vision and values. Our mission is to be innovative and value-driven in supporting the college in our students' success through developing and encouraging employees of all backgrounds on their journey towards achieving personal and professional growth and success.

The college is widely recognized for student success, business and community partnerships and for the achievements of our faculty, staff and alumni.

Required Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Minimum of (2) years’ financial aid, auditing, or accounting experience.3. High level of interpersonal and communication skills.
4. Knowledge of customer service (providing customer service, needs assessment, quality standards and evaluation of customer satisfaction).
5. Judgment and decision-making skills.
6. Ability to interpret complex regulations and procedures.
7. Working knowledge of office technology (word, excel, use of databases).
8. Mathematics and calculation skills.
9. Ability to handle a heavy workload and set priorities.
10. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations.
11. Ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.

Desired Qualifications:


Posting Date: 09/22/2023

Closing Date:

Expected Start Date: 11/06/2023

Special Instructions Summary: Interviews will be conducted until filled.

Pay Rate: $22.83/per hour

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full Time

Location Grayslake

Total Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Primary location is the Grayslake Campus. Will provide coverage at Lakeshore and Southlake as needed. Hours may vary based on the needs of the college.

Software Testing Required: Excel, MS Word

Interview Process Requirements: None

EEO Statement:
The College of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, it seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including minorities, women and people with disabilities.

Summary of Essential Functions:
Department Operations & Procedures | 40%
1) Advise students and parents with complex, extenuating, or unusual circumstances, exercising discretion and sensitivity. Collect and interpret required documentation, evaluate “special circumstance appeal” and effectively communicate decisions.
2) Analyzes data from various agencies (e.g. NSLDS, COD, ISAC, etc.) to determine if awards should be reduced to avoid overpayment.
3) Maintain an accurate and thorough knowledge of College policies and procedures related to academic standards, admissions requirements, and business practices affecting and interfacing with the Financial Aid Department
4) Maintain accurate skills and competency in all aspects of the financial aid programs, including application, processing, awarding and disbursement of financial aid.
5) Maintain maximum security and control with student financial aid records.
6) Maintain documentation to account for advice, information and decisions made regarding financial aid responsibilities.
7) Monitors student eligibility to receive financial aid (satisfactory academic progress, verification, program limitations, etc.) and advise students with concerns.
8) Performs accounting functions related to grant, loan and scholarship accounts which may include reconciling awards and payments/transactions.
9) Prepares and coordinates the preparation of statistical, operating, and planning records and/or reports; maintains spreadsheets for tracking and balancing purposes; ensures accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations and deadlines.
10) Processes and tracks verification and eligibility (such as c-flags) documentation submitted to the Financial Aid Office; enters all required corrections.
11) Review and respond to financial aid email inquiries.
12) Reviews and awards financial aid applicants in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.

Student & Customer Service Excellence | 45%
1) Advises students on different types of aid available, making recommendations based on the student’s financial situation, educational intent, work options and current loan obligations.
2) Explains complex financial aid concepts in easy-to-understand terms. Guides students through all aspects of the financial aid process.
3) Provide high levels of customer service and professionalism in a stressful, high-volume environment.
4) Works with students and parents to assess financial aid needs. Verifies student eligibility criteria for federal and state financial aid and assists students with completing application requirements.
5) Follow up with students regarding missing information/documents
6) Intake documents, log and scan into document imaging/perceptive content.
7) Review and respond to financial aid email inquiries.

Project Leadership | 10%
1) Assists in the development of and implementation of office procedures, rules and policies; analyzes clients’ needs and recommends policy changes to administrators.
2) Conducts student workshops and seminars sponsored by the Financial Aid department. Represents the Financial Aid Office during recruitment events (i.e., Open House, NSO).
3) Maintain an accurate and thorough knowledge and familiarity with federal and state financial aid regulations. Recommends changes in procedures to meet changing regulation needs. Attends financial aid workshops for continued training and specialization.
4) Participates in the development of forms, letters and brochures needed to collect financial aid data from student applicants.
5) Participates in advisory committees and workshops.
6) Serve as liaison with other college departments and outside agencies that work with the Financial Aid Office.

Other | 5%
1) Performs other related duties as assigned.

To apply, visit https://jobs.clcillinois.edu/postings/24671



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