The Financial Aid Professional is responsible for supporting the operations/processing side of the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Professional performs needs analysis, verification, and resolve complex aid application issues. The Financial Aid Professional is expected to be knowledgeable about community and campus resources for students and stay up-to-date on all current financial aid regulations. The individual selected for this position must also possess strong communication and customer service skills.

Requisition ID: 527
Employee Group: Contingency
Schedule: up to 28 hours per week
Compensation: $20.00
Reports to: Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations
Posting Opens: 10/29/2024
Posting Closes: Open until filled

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform and understand needs analysis
• Exercise professional judgment to review and resolve complex aid application issues, including, but not limited to: o Non-verification items such as citizenship, selective service, social security and other data match issues
  • Foreign diploma/degree validity
  • Requests for special circumstance consideration
  • Requests for dependency overrides
  • Financial aid suspension appeals
• Assist customers with all aspects of the financial aid application and awarding processes, including, but not limited to:
  • Perform and understand needs analysis
  • Perform verification of financial aid application data
  • Determine financial aid eligibility and award federal, state and institutional aid
• Provide in-person and phone services (as needed during peak times or when staffing is limited):
  • Provide in-person advising to students/parents who come to the
  • Financial Aid Office with financial aid questions/concerns o Develop/facilitate educational presentations to students, parents, staff and faculty
  • Answer a variety of financial aid questions for customers who contact us by phone or email
• Attend team or staff meetings, as needed
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customer and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSA’s will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Associate Degree required.
• Minimum of three years of experience with demonstrated knowledge of student financial aid regulations and program administration preferred.
• Proficient in a Windows environment and experience using financial aid software products preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with a diverse student, staff, faculty, and business partner population.

Skills

• Ability to relate to and work well with diverse community college student populations

• High level of energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to be innovative and creative
• Ability to maintain a positive customer- and student-oriented approach in a demanding work environment
• Ability to organize work, handle multiple tasks, and meet timelines in a multi-project environment
• Experience in the use of electronic student information systems such as PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and other Internet applications preferred
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of data reporting systems; experience with data tracking and preparing reports preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Knowledge of and compliance with FERPA regulations
• Understanding of the community college mission
• Ability to read and understand financial aid regulations as provided by the US Department of Education

Physical Demands

• The position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading and writing, listening and speaking
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Mental Demands

• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing
• Must be able to effectively manage high stress student issues and concerns

• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

BENEFITS

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS

• Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter, resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive 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/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, 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 state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.