Financial Aid Specialist

Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid by maintaining administrative and clerical duties. The Specialist will serve as support staff with communication and student service efforts in the delivery of financial aid related information to prospective and current students. This position further supports all Financial Aid outreach efforts related to college and community events. This position is benefits eligible. For more information on Victoria College's excellent benefits package, click the benefits tab. About Our Institution Victoria College (VC) is a vital public community college located in Victoria, Texas and has been a respected community partner in the Crossroads region since 1925 and continues to offer quality, affordable educational opportunities to help our students achieve their dreams. VC offers a variety of high-quality associate's degrees and transfer programs, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. The college fosters a close-knit community, serving approximately 7,100 students across diverse backgrounds and learning styles, including full-time, part-time, online, veterans, and adult learners. VC features five academic divisions: Academic Support & Student Success Allied Health Career & Technical Education Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences Science, Mathematics, Engineering, & Physical Education Additionally, VC offers various programs through the Academy of Lifelong Learning, catering to the educational needs of the community. Living in the Area Victoria, a charming city with a population of around 67,000, provides a welcoming and affordable environment. Residents enjoy a variety of benefits, including diverse culinary experiences, a rich cultural scene with museums and art galleries, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Victoria boasts over 50 parks and green spaces, including Riverside Park and Spring Creek Greenway, offering scenic walking and biking trails. The city is well-connected with regional transportation networks, including Victoria Regional Airport and multiple bus services. Victoria's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for students and families alike. Duties & Responsibilities General Financial Aid Operations Support & Customer Service Assists in the everyday functions of the Financial Aid Office. Provides general clerical support to the office staff and key administrative support to the Financial Aid leadership team. Engages extensive customer interaction by providing financial aid applications and related information to students via phone or person; refer or answer questions related to the financial aid process. Assist students with completion of application as needed and applicable. Guides and refers students on issues that may need to be resolved in order to continue or reinstate eligibility in particular for those students with academic progress issues; assist in the registration process as it relates to financial aid eligibility and other special programs. Assists with virtual or walk-in visitors, answering phone calls, emails and chats by providing information regarding federal, state institutional and departmental regulations covering all federal financial aid, scholarship information, account information, etc. Provides excellent customer service by responding to student and parent email and/or phone inquiries in a timely manner to provide clarification on questions and documents needed. Financial Literacy Outreach & Communications Supports the department with preparation and presentation needs at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, etc. Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and college constituents. Supports the development and implementation of communication and outreach campaigns designed to raise awareness of Financial Aid programs and services offered to students. Assists the Office of Financial Aid with items related to cross-functional enrollment management needs by collaborating with other departments across the college in committees, meetings, and efforts to better serve our students as needed – (Examples include but not limited to: registration periods, college informational events and occasional college special events). Serves at the primary point of contact with Victoria College Marketing and Communications Teams for all items related to Financial Aid Financial Aid Data Analytics, Reporting, Compliance, and Technical Support Supports the financial aid counselors in financial aid processing by evaluating financial aid applications, perform verifications, and award financial aid based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies. Supports the financial aid counselors in collecting and analyzing financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, institutional, and/or donor guidelines. Supports in the analysis of various system generated reports such as grades and enrollment status or awards status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines. Supports the processing of accurate and thorough file documentation of all financial aid records. Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and college/university programs administered by the Financial Aid Office. Stay informed of any changes in federal, state, and college/university rules and regulations by reading aid literature and attending various internal and external training and professional development sessions. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid *This position accesses student records and will follow all FERPA guidelines. Qualifications Associate degree and two years of administrative experience required Must have experience with basic office equipment (phone, copier, fax, document imaging equipment) and proficiency with MS Office. Excellent interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills Ability to counsel and handle difficult situations with confidentiality, sensitivity, and responsiveness to student needs. Strong ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and collaborate professionally among staff and management. Working hours may occasionally call for evening and weekend responsibilities during peak periods. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle controls, key pads, etc. Will be required to sit and reach with hands and arms as well as, sit, stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds while loading office supplies and paper. Occasionally, position will include physical duties such as: extensive walking, standing, climbing stairs, and carrying boxes of documents weighing up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, some color vision, and the ability to adjust focus from documents to computer screen. Hearing of light to moderate sound is required by this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.