<p>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.</p> <p>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:</p> <ul> <li>High school diploma or equivalent with some college coursework required. </li><li>Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. </li><li>Well organized with strong attention to detail. </li><li>Experience in financial aid, student counseling, or a directly related area. </li><li>Must have experience in computer data entry, the ability to operate standard office equipment, and experience working with the public. </li></ul> <p>PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:</p> <ul> <li>Associate's Degree preferred. </li><li>Experience in Title IV administration. </li><li>Experience working in higher education or student services. </li><li>Knowledge of financial aid software systems and database management. </li></ul> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:</p> <ul> <li>Provides information to students regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, award packaging, and financial aid academic progress. </li><li>Reviews applications and other documents for student financial aid eligibility per the Department of Education eligibility requirements. </li><li>Collects, analyzes, evaluates, and verifies financial aid data and documents submitted by students. </li><li>Certifies student enrollment, ensuring adherence to academic progress policies and eligibility requirements; initiates appropriate adjustments to individual student financial aid. </li><li>Assists students, prospective students, and others regarding eligibility requirements of financial aid. </li><li>Prepares and reconciles various reports, business correspondence, records, and/or other related documents. </li><li>Maintains awareness of best practices, emerging trends, and new legislation relating to the financial aid functional area. </li><li>Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies, and guidelines. </li><li>Uses interpersonal skills and sound judgment to determine how duties and responsibilities are completed among coworkers, supervisors, faculty, staff, students, and customers. </li><li>Promotes positive morale and teamwork within the department and provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and the community. </li><li>Supports the values and institutional goals as defined in the College's Strategic Plan. </li><li>Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid. </li></ul> <p>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:</p> <ul> <li>Strong understanding of financial aid programs, processes, and compliance requirements. </li><li>Ability to analyze data and make sound, informed decisions. </li><li>Strong written and verbal communication skills. </li><li>Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment. </li><li>Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. </li><li>Experience using technology including email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Internet use. </li><li>Strong interpersonal skills to interact tactfully and courteously with students, faculty, staff, and the general public. </li><li>Ability to collaborate with others and work as part of a team. </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:</p> <p>While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to do the following:</p> <ul> <li>Talk, hear, view, and assist students </li><li>Communicate with others in person, telephone, zoom, & live chat </li><li>Sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms </li><li>Stand, walk, stoop, or kneel </li><li>Occasionally lift and/or move items of at least 15-20 pounds </li></ul> <p>APPLICATION</p> <p>To apply, please submit and attach the following:</p> <ul> <li>Application at www.northwestms.edu </li><li>Resume </li><li>Three (3) Professional References: Name, Organization, Email Address and Telephone Number </li></ul>