JOB SUMMARY
The Financial Aid Associate is responsible for processing and reviewing student financial aid application records that are assigned by caseload and are distributed through an automated workflow process.

Performs a variety of tasks and duties required to ensure eligibility and receipt of federal, state and institutional aid programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manage a case load of student records for file review, verification, reconciliation, and ensuring eligibility.

Caseload management records include, but are not limited to: Summer Aid Processing, CPS-selected records, institutional-selected records, revision requests, C-Code resolutions, NSLDS reviews, R2T4 calculations and returns, over-awards, packaging adjustments, student loan processing, managing suspense records, resolving conflicting or discrepant information, and working records in assigned workflow in a timely manner.

Respond to campus staff requests for file review and processing.

Counsel students and parents on file completion requirements.

Perform need analysis and packaging using Federal Methodology to determine student’s eligibility for federal, state and institutional loans, grants, scholarships and student employment programs.

Make professional judgment decisions in extenuating circumstances to determine student’s eligibility and awards.

Establish partnerships with lenders and guarantee agencies, Social Security Administration, Selective Service Administration, Internal Revenue Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to resolve discrepancies on behalf of students.

Responsible for the efficient processing of student records from application to disbursement.

Participate in developing strategies for securing additional sources of funding to meet student’s financial need.

Participate in developing and implementing default management strategies.

Comply with and adhere to the Ethical and Code of Conduct Policies and Procedures.

Participate in developing and implementing strategies retention to support Enrollment Management.

Enforce regulatory standards in compliance with Federal, State and Institutional requirements.

Comply with and adhere to FERPA, FTC Red Flag Rules, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, HIPPA and Federal Financial Aid Consumer Information Laws.

Complete discrepancy reports as distributed by a Financial Aid Director.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3 years of related work experience required (i.e., Awarding/Packaging Financial Aid, Counseling/Advising, Accounting, Federal/State Administration, etc.)
• Experience in working with security sensitive information and confidential records

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Texas Driver License

Special Skills

• MS Office Programs
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft
• Budget Management
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs

Competencies

• Delivering High Quality Work
• Accepting Responsibility
• Serving Customers
• Supporting Organizational Goals
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Acting with Integrity
• Thinking Critically
• Managing Change
• Communicating Effectively

Working Conditions
General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner. Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215