Performs professional-level duties in the Office of Financial Aid, requiring thorough knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations and University student accounting practices; counsels and advises students and parents on the various financial aid programs and evaluates financial aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various aid programs.
Main Responsibilities
Advises students and parents regarding the availability of various funding sources, application processes and procedures, and rights and responsibilities related to student financial assistance.
Serves as secondary processor for informer/database reporting, manages cleanup report preparation.
Manage financial aid additional resources page on portal/website.
Assists with the collection, reviewing and monitoring of student data and supporting documentation to confirm accuracy of data and determines eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid and other financial aid programs.
Analyzes and interprets federal, state and institutional policies as related to student eligibility for aid.
Assists with awarding of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs to eligible students in accordance with federal and state regulations by university mandated deadlines.
Assists with reviewing financial aid packages based on changes in enrollment level, budget adjustments, additional aid and communicates changes in eligibility with students.
Works with Director on individual appeals concerning eligibility; collects documentation for professional judgement to adjust student’s eligibility based on mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal regulations.
Assists with monthly federal, state and institutional aid reconciliations. Works to clear any inaccuracies or discrepancies.
Responsible for providing financial aid reports and other related data to the University and U.S. Department of Education.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
A minimum of two years of experience with financial aid programs or three years of successful professional work experience is required.
Excellent phone, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, families and staff.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage time and workflow and to manage multiple, concurrent high priority projects in a time-pressured environment.
General Expectations:
Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ.
Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties.
Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook.
Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records. Properly use tact, diplomacy, discretion and judgment.
Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties.
Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties.
Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures (for supervisory positions).
Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area.
Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
Physical Requirements:
Job Title:
Financial aid Specialist
Typical Working Conditions: (Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, allergens, mold, etc.)
Indoors in controlled environment
Equipment Used: (List all manual and automated equipment used in the course of performing essential functions.)
Computer, scanner, copier, mouse, keyboard, stapler, 3-hole punch, letter opener
Essential Physical Tasks: (List all physical tasks encountered in performing essential functions - i.e. sitting for long periods of time using a computer, standing, climbing ladders, etc.)
Sitting for long periods of time using a computer
Analysis of Physical Demands to Perform Essential Functions:
Key (Based on typical week):
N=Never R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week) O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)
F=Frequent (34%-66% of time) C=Constant (over 66% of time)
Simpson University, California’s only Christian university north of Sacramento, has been educating and shaping world-influencers for 100 years. Fully accredited, Simpson offers 25 liberal arts and professional studies degrees, an adult degree-completion program, graduate studies, and credential programs, serving nearly 1,000 students a year.
One of four schools of higher education of The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, Simpson’s students come from all over the world – the majority from California. More than 30 percent of traditional undergraduates are first-generation college students, and Simpson is a Hispanic Serving Institution with a majority minority student body.
More than two-thirds of Simpson’s full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their field of study and come from major universities around the U.S. They are award-winning scholars, writers and composers who choose to be in an academic environment where they can integrate faith and learning. With a ratio of one professor for every 14 students, Simpson offers an intensely personal classroom experience. Students are encouraged to engage in original research projects with professors, result...ing in publications and national presentations that boost their graduate school and career prospects.