Specialist - Financial Aid; Verification

Job Category

Regular Support Staff

Appleton Main Campus

40

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The Financial Aid – Verification and Application Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of federal aid applications through verification of student data, as well as reviewing and processing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals and professional judgment requests. This position plays a vital role in helping students secure financial aid by completing the FAFSA process, resolving discrepancies, and reviewing unique student circumstances.

The specialist ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while maintaining high-quality service for students.

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Resolve Reject ISIRs:
  Review and resolve Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) flagged with reject codes by identifying missing or incorrect data, communicating with students for required corrections, and ensuring successful FAFSA reprocessing for accurate aid determination.
• C Code Resolution:
  Investigate and resolve ISIRs flagged with C codes (e.g., unusual enrollment history, citizenship, defaulted loans) by collecting necessary documentation from students, working with the Department of Education as needed, and updating the student’s aid eligibility.
• Pending ISIR Transactions Review:
  Regularly monitor and review pending ISIR transactions for incomplete or flagged FAFSA submissions, ensuring timely follow‑up and resolution of discrepancies to avoid delays in aid packaging and disbursement.
• Conduct federal verification for selected students by reviewing tax documents, verification worksheets, and other supporting materials.
• Review and process Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals submitted by students who do not meet SAP requirements for continued financial aid eligibility.
• Review and process requests for dependency overrides and other professional judgment adjustments, evaluating students' unique financial and/or family situations that may not be reflected on the FAFSA.
• Stay current on changes to federal, state, and institutional regulations for FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests.
• Maintain accurate records of verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and federal guidelines.
• Provide counseling to students and families on FAFSA completion, SAP appeals, and professional judgment requests, helping them understand the financial aid process and their eligibility.
• Deliver high‑quality customer service, responding promptly to inquiries and offering one‑on‑one assistance where needed.
• Assist in the development and revision of policies and procedures as needed to reflect changes in federal and institutional regulations.
• Participate in cross‑training initiatives within the financial aid department to gain proficiency in a variety of financial aid processes, ensuring seamless support across all areas during peak times or staff absences.

• Associate’s degree in finance, business administration, student services, or a related field required;
  Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or related administrative roles, with specific experience in FAFSA processing, verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment preferred.
• Strong familiarity with federal financial aid regulations, including FAFSA processing, verification, SAP requirements, and professional judgment guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid regulations, particularly related to verification, SAP appeals, and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, especially in reviewing…