Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Specialist ensures efficient financial aid processing by supporting Enrollment Coaches and Admissions Advisors, addressing student needs, and removing barriers to their educational goals. The position is vital for accurate, timely document processing and aid awarding, aligning with Enrollment Management and college objectives.

Essential Functions :

• Consistently embody TSTC Core Values (Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity) when interacting with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and the community.
• Assist Admissions Advisors and Enrollment Coaches with financial aid inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that financial aid requirements are met. Guide students through payment options to help them complete the enrollment process.
• Accurately and promptly process financial aid awards according to federal, state, and institutional guidelines, under the guidance of senior financial aid staff.
• Verify student eligibility using Department of Education platforms like the National Student Loan Data System and the Central Processing System, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Work closely with departments such as Veteran Services, Student Accounting, and Retention Services to support admissions and track student progress. Address inquiries through various communication channels.
• Stay current on financial aid policies and regulatory changes by participating in webinars and conferences hosted by organizations like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
• Collect, upload, and review financial aid documents for quality control, manage document scanning and linking in Workday, and resolve any discrepancies.
• Use financial aid software to review eligibility, track the status of awards, and monitor academic progress, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional policies.
• Effectively communicate financial aid policies and procedures to applicants and students, updating comments and documenting interactions using assigned CRM tools.

Education / Experience / Knowledge / Skills :

Competencies :

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.