Financial Aid Specialist

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The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for supporting prospective and continuing students by reviewing and evaluating financial aid eligibility; providing efficient and timely delivery of accurate information, services, and funding to all students; and ensuring quality control, application tracking, and verification of student files. The Specialist provides exceptional service to students and families while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for supporting prospective and continuing students by reviewing and evaluating financial aid eligibility; providing efficient and timely delivery of accurate information, services, and funding to all students; and ensuring quality control, application tracking, and verification of student files. The Specialist provides exceptional service to students and families while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.

• High school diploma or equivalent with some college coursework required.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Well organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in financial aid, student counseling, or a directly related area.
• Must have experience in computer data entry, the ability to operate standard office equipment, and experience working with the public.

• Associate’s Degree preferred.
• Experience in Title IV administration.
• Experience working in higher education or student services.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems and database management.

• Provides information to students regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, award packaging, and financial aid academic progress.
• Reviews applications and other documents for student financial aid eligibility per the Department of Education eligibility requirements.
• Collects, analyzes, evaluates, and verifies financial aid data and documents submitted by students.
• Certifies student enrollment, ensuring adherence to academic progress policies and eligibility requirements; initiates appropriate adjustments to individual student financial aid.
• Assists students, prospective students, and others regarding eligibility requirements of financial aid.
• Prepares and reconciles various reports, business correspondence, records, and/or other related documents.
• Maintains awareness of best practices, emerging trends, and new legislation relating to the financial aid functional area.
• Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies, and guidelines.
• Uses interpersonal skills and sound judgment to determine how duties and responsibilities are completed among coworkers, supervisors, faculty, staff, students, and customers.
• Promotes positive morale and teamwork within the department and provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and the community.
• Supports the values and institutional goals as defined in the College’s Strategic Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

• Strong understanding of financial aid programs, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound, informed decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using technology including email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Internet use.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact tactfully and courteously with students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team.

• Talk, hear, view, and assist students.
• Communicate with others in person, telephone, Zoom, & live chat.
• Sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Stand, walk, stoop, or kneel.
• Occasionally lift and/or move items of at least 15‑20 pounds.

• Application thwestms.edu
• Resume
• Three (3) professional references:
  Name, organization, email address and telephone number

Entry level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Higher Education

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