Job Title: Financial Aid Technical Specialist - External
Location: GRCC Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 1147
Org Marketing Statement

Date: June 8, 2021

Title: Financial Aid Technical SpecialistPosting Number: 1147 Hours: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Hiring salary: Meet & Confer – Grade 13, $49,894 Reports to: Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations

Close Date: June 22, 2021

SUMMARY:

This position supports activities related to the effective and efficient delivery of student financial aid resources and services, including quality assurance, troubleshooting, and error

resolution. Under general direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, this individual will complete all the steps necessary to ensure that federal, state, and institutional financial aid is awarded, originated, and disbursed in a timely manner, and in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) processes, clock hour awarding, and attendance monitoring. This role will also assist with other financial aid processes as needed (grant and loan awarding and disbursement activities, verification, etc.). Additionally, this position is responsible to track, resolve, and provide follow-up for financial aid-related questions and concerns. Finally, this role also supports financial aid student service functions including face-to-face meetings, orientations, financial aid presentations and workshops, phone calls, email, and text campaigns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Manage financial aid processes related to non-term clock hour programs, specifically financial aid awarding, refunds, satisfactory academic progress evaluation, and return of Title IV funds (R2T4) calculations

Responsible for the processing of return of Title IV funds (R2T4) for credit hour programs, including post-withdrawal disbursementsMonitor and report any over awards that occur as a result of R2T4 processes to the Department of Education via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)Monitor and coordinate student attendance tracking processes related to financial aid awarding and refund disbursements. This requires managing faculty communication plans, ensuring attendance records are submitted by determined deadlines, and coordinating financial aid adjustments associated with our attendance policy.Work in cooperation with the Cashier’s Office to facilitate the refund disbursement process, ensuring that all aid eligibility criteria are met at the time of disbursementMonitor student accounts related to repeated and developmental education coursework, and adjust student awards as neededAssist with packaging of federal Direct and alternative student loans, certification of loan applications, loan origination, transmittal of electronic loan data files to external agencies, and communication to borrowersAssist with monthly reconciliation of student loan disbursements and year end close out functions
• Assist with the coordination of entrance and exit interview processes
Assist with all other financial aid awards using batch processing. This includes packaging and repackaging of Pell, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Work Study (FWS) awardsUse the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Transfer Student Monitoring (TSM), and Financial Aid History (FAH) processes and tools to ensure accurate awardingAssist with file review, verification, special circumstances, and dependency override functionsAssist in the development of publications and communications related to non-term programs, web based programs, and communications related to financial aid education and fiscal responsibilityProvide accurate interpretation of financial aid regulations, policy recommendations, and procedure documentation for the Financial Aid OfficeParticipate in the testing and implementation of new and modified financial aid functionality in the PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System, in particular as it relates to non-term based programs, R2T4, over awards, attendance monitoring, and refund disbursements. Develop related policy and procedure documentationProvide financial aid information and assistance to students in person, and by phone, text, chat, and emailParticipate in prospective, new, returning and departing student outreach initiatives, including orientation, financial literacy programming, financial aid presentations and workshops.
• Actively support and participate in the Student Service Excellence Model
Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.

Assist the Director of Financial Aid, Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Functional Analysts with special projects and other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) preferred but not required.

Experience:

A minimum of 2-3 years of higher education experience. Financial Aid experience preferred.A minimum of 2-3 years of experience utilizing financial aid-related web systems (such as SAIG, COD, NSLDS, FAA Access, Mi-SSG, etc.) preferred.
• Experience with higher education data systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience with student loan and grant processing preferred.
• Experience with Clock Hour awarding preferred.
• Experience with Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) preferred.

Competencies

The following competencies are essential and will be evaluated for our candidates through the evidence-based selection process:

Foundational Competencies:

Responsibility
• Adaptability
• Achievement
• Teamwork
• Speaking
• Decisive
• Listening

Information Skills
• Reading
• Ingenuity
• Writing
• Reasoning
• Judgment & Decision Making
• Leadership Skills
• Vision

Occupational Competencies:

• Getting Information
• Interacting With Computers
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Processing Information
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Thinking Creatively
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Skills:

A strong understanding of accounting principles, analytical skills, and statistical knowledge strongly preferred.
• A high level of attention to detail and working with complex processes.
Demonstrated technology skills, including proficiency with MS Office products and financial aid web systems including the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), the Common Origination and Disbursement website (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and Financial Aid Administrator Access (FAA Access).
• Working knowledge of data systems related to higher education.

Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

Mental Demands:

Must demonstrate high levels of customer service and interpersonal skills, as well as strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities.Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student, staff, and business partner population and provide exceptional customer service.
• Ability to plan and work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to follow detailed processes.
• Must be punctual with a good attendance record.

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions:

Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, which includes evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Grand Rapids Community College is only accepting online applications for this position. To apply for this position, please visit our website at http://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume in one document. The opportunity to apply for this position will close on June 22, 2021, at 11:59 PM. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Grand Rapids Community College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment. GRCC creates an including learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, height, weight, national origin, disability, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by stated and federal law. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Mi 49503-3295.