State Aid Technical Specialist

Financial Aid Coordinator

This position supports activities related to the effective and efficient delivery of State of Michigan student financial aid resources and services, including quality assurance, troubleshooting, and error resolution. Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of State Aid and Compliance, this individual will complete all the steps necessary to ensure that federal, state, and institutional financial aid is awarded, originated, and disbursed in a timely manner, and in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures.

This position is responsible for, but not limited to, managing all aspects of the nine State of Michigan Student Aid programs offered at Grand Rapids Community College by implementing the process for regular program roster download and review, awarding of program funds, and reviewing awards for accuracy. This role will also assist with the reconciliation of awards for the State of Michigan's quarterly payment by processing the reimbursement and certification process.

Additionally, this position is responsible to track, resolve, and provide follow-up for State financial aid-related questions and concerns. Finally, this role also supports financial aid student service functions including face-to-face meetings, orientations, financial aid presentations and workshops, phone calls, email, and text campaigns. Based on needs within the office, various team members take the lead on certain programs, while all team members will have the ability to assist and back up the lead person.

Essential Functions

• Manage financial aid processes related to State Aid programs, specifically determining student eligibility per program, State financial aid awarding, satisfactory academic progress evaluation, and updating students within MI-SSG, the State's Student Aid portal.
• Responsible for the processing of re-packaging aid post return of Title IV funds (R2T4) for credit hour programs, including post-withdrawal disbursements.
• Implement the process for regular download of program rosters from the State of Michigan on a weekly basis (or more frequently as needed). Ensure that student records are updated appropriately.
• Ensure the use of the GRCC data system to appropriately identify and track students based on their eligibility for the aid programs.
• Assist with packaging and reviewing State of Michigan's Futures for Frontliners program, Michigan Reconnect program, Michigan Reconnect Expansion program, Community College Guarantee Scholarship, Tuition Incentive Program, Fostering Futures Scholarship, Children of Veteran's Tuition Grant Scholarship, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, and Gear UP Michigan Scholarship financial aid programs.
• Monitor and resolve MISSG's Clear Ineligible Reasons identified per student by the State of Michigan, work with students to resolve any of these ineligibility reasons, and track for any changes that may occur as a result of new student selection.
• Work in cooperation with the Student Financial Services Office to facilitate the refund disbursement process, ensuring that all State aid eligibility criteria are met at the time of disbursement.
• Work in cooperation with the Student Financial Services Office to facilitate the Enrollment Cancellation process, ensuring that all State aid eligibility criteria are met and students are appropriately awarded at the time of cancellation if eligible.
• Monitor student accounts related to repeated and developmental education coursework, and adjust student awards as needed.
• Maintain systems and explore ways to improve systems so as to ensure accuracy in awarding.
• Provide accurate interpretation of financial aid regulations, policy recommendations, and procedure documentation for the Financial Aid Office. This includes reviewing all updated guidance from the State and Federal governments (including but not limited to email communication, manuals, webinars and other resources) and making appropriate updates to GRCC documentation and processes.
• In cooperation with the Assistant Director of State Aid and Compliance, prepare approval and submission to ensure the timely and accurate…