Information Processing Specialist; Financial Aid

Position Summary

The Information Processing Specialist (Financial Aid) is the primary point of contact for students submitting documentation to the Office of Financial Aid, including documentation for appeals, verification, and Vocational Rehabilitation (VOC Rehab), Housing Authority, and Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA). The specialist reviews daily documents received, verifies citizenship status, and assesses unusual enrollment situations. The specialist liaises with state agencies (THEC/TSAC) and uses the FAST student information system to enter Cost of Attendance and award information for Voc Rehab payments.

The specialist processes Return to Title IV for both credit and TCAT students. The role maintains extensive knowledge of federal and state eligibility, and college financial aid requirements, policies, and procedures.

• Serve as primary liaison between students submitting documents, staff and faculty on campus, other institutions, and the Office of Financial Aid.
• Daily monitor documents received and index to BDM with timely responses and communications with students and parents within FERPA guidelines.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues in other Chattanooga State offices and with students.
• Advise students and families and answer questions related to aid eligibility requirements, missing or incomplete documentation, and aid status as part of the Financial Aid Office’s customer service rotation.

• Ensure accurate reporting of Voc Rehab, Housing Authority, and WIOA.
• Ensure accurate indexing of documentation to students’ files.
• Ensure accurate processing of Return to Title IV.
• Adhere to consistent, accurate policies, procedures, and processes for documentation and eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Develop and adhere to consistent, transparent business practices within the Financial Aid Office and in collaboration with outside offices.

• Collaborate with the Office of Financial Aid for consistent messaging to students.
• Establish clear communication channels with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies.
• Coordinate with other Financial Aid staff to maintain constant coverage of escalations and emails from other offices on campus.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and respectful team culture focused on shared goals, continuous improvement, and high‑quality student service.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.

• Provide input regarding compliance and processing.
• Develop innovative approaches to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Evaluate changes in financial aid regulations and adjust internal processes to maintain compliance while optimizing operational efficiency.

• Effective time management and prioritization of job demands.
• Attention to detail and understanding of data analysis, mathematical and financial computations, and identifying/resolving data discrepancies.
• Ability to work collaboratively and establish positive, productive working relationships.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrates continuous learning and improvement in knowledge of and compliance with state regulations, technical processes, and professional development.
• Works independently, with minimal supervision, meets goals and deadlines, is self‑directed and seeks innovative ways to perform job responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must possess at least an associate’s degree;
  Bachelor’s preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other commonly used office applications.
• Preferred experience working with a student information system, such as Ellucian Banner and Banner Document Management System.
• Experience working in a finance, customer service, or educational setting, preferably at a postsecondary institution.
• Comfortable working in a stressful, fast‑paced environment with a high level of sensitivity towards confidentiality and working with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrat…