About Job

SUMMARY

Under the leadership of the Director of Financial Aid, this position carries a caseload of students including the generalizations of customer service, determining and packaging financial aid eligibility. The position specializes in one or more financial aid programs (for example, CalGrant, Federal Work Study, Pell, SEOG) and serves as the liaison for students and external agencies on matters pertaining to those programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Maintain a student caseload by school(s), which includes:
- All aspects of customer service; provide student-oriented counseling services for students, parents, and other constituents on matters pertaining to financial aid eligibility, application process, availability and disbursement of financial aid
- Needs Analysis:.
  - Analyze eligibility for federal funds using Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data
- File verification: analyze tax transcripts and other required forms to verify eligibility for federal funds
- Packaging: allocate federal and Institutional awards in accordance with eligibility, regulation, and policy
Handle other standard financial aid functions, such as preparation of appeals, letters,
e-mail correspondence,
Troubleshoot student aid eligibility issues and provide resolution for students and families
Manage one or more financial aid programs (CalGrant, Federal Work Study, Pell, SEOG):
- In coordination with Director of Financial Aid manage and monitor financial aid program budgets and awarding
- Monitor funding levels and reconcile funds on a monthly, semester, and year end basis with the Accounting Office and the US Department of Education
- Communicate with students, as needed, regarding eligibility, awarding and disbursement Issues for the financial aid program
- Troubleshoot financial aid program related issues with federal and/or state agencies and/or other outside agencies and CalArts departments, as needed
- Develop and conduct workshops or similar mechanisms for students to learn about and apply for private scholarship assistance
- Keep abreast of current regulatory information and disseminate to CalArts staff, faculty, and students, as needed.
Assist in conducting general or specialized financial aid workshops and outreach for students as determined by Director of Financial Aid
Assist with office projects or office work/low as determined by the Director of Financial Aid
Maintain confidentiality of financial aid records and information.
Maintain knowledge of current financial aid regulations and best practices.
Other duties as assigned

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and see projects through to a timely completion.
Ability to interact effectively with varied Internal and external constituencies demonstrating tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment
Ability to work responsibly, independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Abllity to learn, adapt to, and use new computer systems and technology
Financial and business acumen-ablllly to work with complex data processing, needs analysis, and aid packaging strategies.
Exceptional communication ability to communicate complex information with a wide constituency, verbally and In writing.
Ability to present financial aid Information to groups of students and parents.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe applications.
Critical thinking skills required.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

EXPERIENCE:

1-3 years progressively responsible experience in a college financial aid office including experience with federal and institutional needs analysis, or equivalent.
Proficiency with financial aid systems, including using financial aid management systems and data management tools such as PowerFAJDS, Excel, Access or others,