Financial Aid Specialist

Summary:

• Will be a part of the Finalize Aid Team and responsible for completing the non-student-facing processing for assigned responsibilities and ensuring all processing is completed timely and accurately.
• Areas of responsibility include complex and heavily regulated processing which requires specialized knowledge of financial aid regulations.
• Further, duties will vary based on team assignment but include conducting file reviews, ISIR reviews, approving financial aid awards, managing state-based funds such as Cal Grant, completing tuition obligation and R2T4 calculations, processing stipends, monitoring, and resolving title IV credit balances, processing refunds, NSLDS reporting, import/export file processing, resolving disbursement and origination errors, evaluating, and approving institutional aid, SEOG and private loan batches, completing various reports as directed.
• While this position is not student-facing, customer service is a critical aspect of this role as it supports all WCU and/or ACC campuses and works closely with various internal departments for resolution of issues and completion of multi-step processes.

Responsibilities:

• Managing assigned activity queue to ensure all activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Completing required reporting each week as prescribed by their leader. This includes reconciliation reporting, productivity reporting, and assigned reports.
• Review ISIRs where appropriate as a part of their assigned processes.
• Document activities, actions taken, and guidance to campus as necessary in the Student Information System.
• Adheres to College/University policies and procedures and conducts job responsibilities per the standards set out in the College/University’s policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.

The Finalize Aid Team:

• Completes federal verification of files selected by the Department of Education not verified by the 3rd Party Servicer.
• Evaluates files for conflicting information and C-codes and provides guidance to resolve.
• Determines aid eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Monitors FAME-approved spreadsheets and updates the Student Information System accordingly.
• Works Variance reports to identify and resolve award discrepancies.
• Manages and processes all aspects of Cal Grant, including initial award, award updates, responding to campus inquiries, and data entry on state sites.
• Processes Federal Work Study awards and payments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University is preferred.
• Experienced candidates will be considered without a degree provided they have more than 5 years of financial aid experience and a combination of experience and education comparable to a bachelor’s degree.
• Requires proficient knowledge of standards and processes within financial aid plus experience supporting campus operations in an educational setting.
• 3 years’ financial aid experience required.
• 3 years of campus support or customer service.
• May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant.
• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, professional ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Higher than average computer skills.
• Strong Time Management skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and complete work on time.
• Ability to adapt to a changing fast-paced environment.
• This is an onsite position where you will work in our administrative office in Irvine 5 days/week.

Compensation:

• $27.70 - $37.39/hour
• Great Benefits Package

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.