Financial Aid Technician

Salary: $31,200.00 Annually
Location : 2600 South First Street Temple, TX
Job Type: Full-Time (Staff)
Job Number: 00278
Division: Student and Enrollment Services
Department:Financial Aid
Opening Date: 11/28/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade: Classified
Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday with an hour lunch break. 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday.This is an on-site position. Essential duties of the role must be performed in-person, during prescribed work hours.
Position Summary & Essential Duties
The following duties, responsibilities, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's), and physical requirements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The information listed below is not intended to be construed as a complete listing of all duties, responsibilities, KSA's, and physical requirements required of this position since changes to the position may occur at any time or additional requirements that may be added over the course of time.
SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision of the Associate Director of Financial Aid and indirect supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the incumbent is responsible for a wide variety of duties involved in providing Financial Aid services and recommending available alternatives for students. The incumbent is responsible for final processing and verification of student Financial Aid applications; Informing students of Financial Aid award packages in accordance with prescribed policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines; and by following established departmental, federal, and state guidelines to determine whether adjustments should be made regarding student eligibility. This is a security sensitive position.
Qualifications (Required and Preferred)
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS):
High school diploma and two (2) years directly related experience or any combination of verifiable higher education attainment and directly related full-time work experience equal to four (4) years. Two (2) of the four (4) years must be directly related full-time work experience. Part-time work experience will be pro-rated. The total pro-rated amount must equal the minimum number of years listed.
PREFERENCES:
Two (2) years' experience working in a Financial Aid Office environment.
An Associate's Degree or higher degree with a concentration in business, accounting or a related field.
Experience with Ellucian Colleague Financial Aid Module.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will:

• Confer with individuals via phone, in-person, and email to disseminate accurate information and answer questions related to federal and state Financial Aid eligibility, the application process, loan counseling, alternative financing, and institutional payment plans to students (prospective and enrolled) and their parents.
• Use established departmental, federal, and state guidelines to advise and counsel students, and/or prospective students in solving their educational financial problems through scholarships, loans, grants, student employment and financial counseling.
• Interpret and explain the College's Financial Aid policies and procedures.
• Discuss eligibility criteria for various Financial Aid programs with students.
• Inform students if they are not eligible for Financial Aid programs.
• Pay close attention to detail assuring students complete the proper applications, documents, forms, and reading materials for the specific award year.
• Assist students in filling out and reviewing applications and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Collect certain verification documents (tax returns, verification worksheets) from the student (and student's parents in some cases) to determine eligibility requirements.
• Compare and evaluate data including student's and parent's income and assets, household size, number in college, untaxed income, investments and business assets and debts listed on student's verification documents to the Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy and conflicting information.
• Inform students of missing or conflicting verification information.
• Resolve Student Aid Report (SAR) Comment Codes.
• Submit Student Aid Report (SAR) corrections for compliance issues under prescribed federal guidelines and regulations.
• Set up cost of attendance budget and enter Financial Aid program awards to eligible recipients in Colleague through the specific controls of program policy and guidelines.
• Advise students on terms, conditions, requirements and limitations of awards.
• Process student's request for adjustments to their Financial Aid awards such as canceling all awards, decreasing or increasing their loans, and accepting or declining federal work-study.
• Make adjustments to aid awards due to enrollment changes, receipt of other aid, or other circumstances that cause the student's entitled award amount to change.
• Resolve data conflicts and over-awards as necessary.
• Periodically review student records for accuracy, status checks, and quality control efforts.
• Will assist Financial Aid Advisors.
• Participate in discussions regarding the interpretation of complex rules and regulations relating to federal, state and local Financial Aid and their implications for the College.
• Research student Financial Aid history on the National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS) and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Websites to correctly answer student's questions regarding Financial Aid.
• Attend Financial Aid Appeal Committee meetings.
• Attend departmental meetings and other training.
• Assist with off-campus presentations and workshops to inform high school students, the community, and various groups about Financial Aid program requirements and deadlines. Plan and execute special events for specific audiences and in support of departmental initiatives. Some travel required.
• Manage difficult or emotional student situations and respond promptly to their needs while maintaining self-control. Focusing on solving conflict, not blaming.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and their records as prescribed through FERPA.
• Assist in covering the front desk area as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS REQUIRED OF POSITION:

• Display empathy and positive regard for others in written, verbal and non-verbal communications.
• Work with colleagues and students by practicing punctuality, respect for deadlines, collaborative problem solving, and honest communication.
• Be friendly and collegial with co-workers, faculty, students, staff, and visitors to the campus.
• Build trusting relationships by acting with integrity, courtesy, and responsibility, even in the face of stress or demanding workplace conditions.
• Maintain proficiency as needed and approved by attending training, reading job-related materials, and meeting with others in area of responsibility.
• Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach.
• Meet all required standards

Knowledge Skills and Abilities & Physical Demands
KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of student Financial Aid programs and their rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of current IRS tax forms, regulations and the implications of such regulations on Financial Aid in areas such as tax return filing status, income earned from work, and tax paid.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and methods including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

SKILLS:

• Skill in identifying student needs and assisting students in locating financial alternatives.
• Skill in researching regulatory information using the FSA Handbook and other sources found on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) website to aid in resolving complex Financial Aid questions.
• Must have excellent attention for detail.
• Analyze and verify a variety of financial data to evaluate student's ability to pay for education.
• Effective contemporary customer service and receptionist skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills

ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively deescalate any potential of a difficult, angry, or emotional situations with students and/or parents.
• Ability to prepare and award well balanced Financial Aid packages based upon determined needs.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in order to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to respond to difficult inquiries and requests from students regarding Financial Aid options and programs.
• Ability to provide financial counseling and information for completing the necessary application forms and reports.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Light physical activity is required with occasional lifting of objects up to 15 pounds. Position requires sitting for long periods. A considerable amount of data entry is required so keyboard manipulation, typing speed, and accuracy is mandatory.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is normally performed in an interior/office work environment.
WORK SCHEDULE:
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday with an hour lunch break.
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday.
This is an on-site position. Essential duties of the role must be performed in-person, during prescribed work hours.
HOURS PER WEEK:
40
TRS/ORP:
TRS only
SUPERVISORY DUTIES:
None
REPORTS TO:
Director of Financial Aid
TEMPLE COLLEGE BENEFITS
To enhance the employment opportunity you may be seeking, Temple College offers a competitive array of benefit options to select from, some of which are fully paid for by the college. Listed below is a summary of benefits currently offered for full-time employees. Part-time employees are eligible for specific benefits on a pro-rated basis.
MEDICAL AND OPTIONAL INSURANCE COVERAGE BENEFIT OPTIONS
The Medical and optional insurance coverage benefit options listed below are offered through Temple College by the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas. Please visit ERS at for further information.

• MEDICAL:
  Eligible full-time employees can choose from the following medical programs which begin the first day of the month following the 60th day of employment:
  • HealthSelect of Texas "Blue Cross Blue Shield" (PPO)
  • Consumer Directed HealthSelect "Blue Cross Blue Shield (HSA)

Medical plans include prescription coverage. Employee medical coverage monthly premiums are fully paid for by the college and the college pays for one-half (1/2) of the cost of dependent care coverage monthly premiums.

• OPTIONAL BENEFITS:

Dental (PPO and HMO), Vision, Optional Term Life Insurance, Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Dependent Term Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability, Texa$aver (457 plan), TexFlex-Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement.
Optional benefits are employee paid but are offered at very competitive rates.
ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE ACCRUALS

• ANNUAL LEAVE ACCRUALS:

Regular, full-time twelve (12) month faculty and staff accrue Annual Leave as follows:

• Years of Service: 0 through 5
  • Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Month) = 8
  • Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Year) = 96

Years of Service: 6 through 10

• Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Month) =10
• Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Year) =120

Years of Service: 10 plus years

• Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Month) =12
• Accrual Rate (Maximum Accrual Hours per Year) =144

Annual leave may be accrued up to a limit of 240 hours with special provisions allowing for annual accruals above that limit. Faculty with contracts less than 12 months do not accrue Annual Leave but are provided with 20 hours of personal time per fiscal year.

• SICK LEAVE ACCRUALS:

Faculty and Administrative Staff: Accruals of 8 hours per month. Sick Leave may be accrued up to a limit of 1040 total hours. Faculty with contracts less than 12 months will receive accruals during the summer semester if they instruct during that time.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• HOLIDAYS:Recognized college holidays, in addition to Annual and Sick leave accruals, include Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Martin Luther King Day, Spring Break, Good Friday, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
• PAYROLL: Employees are paid by direct deposit through the last working day of the month. Actual deposits are paid on the last working business day of the month. All benefit deductions are taken at that time.
• RETIREMENT: Temple College is one of the few community colleges in the state of Texas to be permitted Federal Social Security deductions. Temple College is a Section 218 employer.

All regular employees are mandated by the Texas State Legislature to enroll in either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) however, ORP participation is based upon position. All faculty members are eligible to participate in either TRS or ORP. A list of ORP providers is available.
Please visit TRS at for further information.

• Contribution:
  • Member: Teacher Retirement System (TRS) = 8.0% of annual salary
  • Employer:...