Financial Aid Technical Assistant & Administrative Support

Title: Financial Aid Technical Assistant & Administrative Support

Agency: Mountain Gateway Community College

Location: Alleghany - 005

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $35,500 to $39,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual.

The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non-credit courses are offered to meet life-long learning needs. On-site and distance learning options incorporate up-to-date technologies.

The Financial Aid Specialist supports the daily operations of the Student Services Department by providing comprehensive financial aid processing and student support services to current and prospective students. This position is responsible for reviewing and processing financial aid documentation, assisting students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), determining eligibility, packaging and adjusting awards, administering verification and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processes, and supporting federal student loan and Federal Work-Study programs.

The Financial Aid Specialist also provides general Student Services support, coordinates with college departments to resolve student account and enrollment issues, assists with the development and maintenance of the academic schedule, and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and institutional policies. The position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to student success.

The position is based at the main campus in Clifton Forge, Virginia, with travel to the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista, Virginia, as needed to support student services and college operations.

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV requirements, FAFSA processing, student eligibility, and satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
• Knowledge of financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, and tuition assistance.
• Knowledge of financial aid processing, student account reconciliation, student information systems, financial aid software, and student services operations.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and the appropriate handling of student financial and educational records.

• Skill in accurately processing financial aid applications, awards, verification, disbursements, appeals, adjustments, and reconciliations.
• Skill in using student information systems, financial aid software, Microsoft Office applications, and related technology.
• Skill in communicating complex financial aid information clearly and effectively to students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Skill in organizing multiple responsibilities, meeting deadlines, resolving problems, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating across departments.

• Ability to interpret and apply financial aid regulations, institutional policies, and established procedures.
• Ability to analyze student records, determine eligibility, identify discrepancies, and resolve financial aid issues.
• Ability to provide effective student support while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt to changing priorities, and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel between the main campus in Clifton Forge and the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista, Virginia, as required.

• Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista, Virginia, as required.

Previous experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, or a related field.

Experience with FAFSA processing, federal financial aid programs, student information systems, financial aid…