Financial Aid Technical Specialist - Santa Maria, United States - Allan Hancock College

Description

Position Summary

DEFINITION:
Under the general supervision of the appropriate administrator, the financial aid technical specialist must possess a combination of functional and technical expertise and will serve as the primary financial aid staff person working with ITS staff on research, analysis and regulations and its impact on the College's enterprise software financial aid module and other systems configuration. Keeps up with applicable financial aid regulations and collaborates with IT staff to design new business processes as needed. Performs analysis, development, testing and documentation of computer systems and applications for financial aid purposes. Analyzes, researches, and resolves problems connected with financial aid systems.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
The incumbent is required to have an operational knowledge of federal and state regulations and guidelines to ensure program compliance. The incumbent requires in-depth knowledge of financial aid programs. Assists the dean of financial aid in decision-making regarding best practices, policies and procedures related to financial aid and student systems. The incumbent develops and maintains expertise in integrated systems troubleshooting and researching problems related to financial aid and student information systems. There is some contact with students, staff, and the general public requiring tact and good communication skills.

Essential Functions and Qualifications

1. Transmits electronic file information between the district, U.S. Department of Education and state agency computer systems for the purpose of obtaining and reporting student and program information in support of the financial aid department.
2. Works closely with ITS staff in configuring and testing the annual new year roll setup, system upgrades, and current and forthcoming software from the Department of Education and California Student Aid Commission for monitoring, processing and reporting of grants, scholarships, loans, and other sources of financial assistance;
3. Performs first-level trouble shooting to users in diagnosing and resolving problems associated with financial aid hardware and software.
4. Provides guidance to end users on application use and operating parameters, including assistance in updating and maintaining system data.
5. Prepares and transmits electronic and written correspondence, verifying student status and other information; responds to requests from the district and other educational institutions and agencies involving verification of student status and records.
6. Works with Financial Aid staff, functional leads, Information Systems, consultants and other departments to conduct needs analysis and ensure that proposed processes and related system changes are properly implemented, taking into account possible impacts in various areas.
7. Creates queries to assist users with data needs and reporting requirements and develops test data and conducts program tests to verify processing accuracy and completeness and corrects errors in programming logic.
8. Coordinates with financial aid analysts for database entries, inputting student information into local database systems and federal systems; receives student information and verifies forms are filled out completely.
9. Provides information regarding general district policies and procedures and student services to staff, students, and the general public; receives complaints and calls regarding student financial aid.
10. May provide support/backup for the financial aid assistant.
11. Identifies and reports anomalies or other information that may identify potential fraud or misuse of state or federal funds.
12. Reviews regulation releases and updates to identify possible impact in existing business processes.
13. Analyzes, supports and manages the student financial aid enterprise applications with data and system conversion, production, test environments, ongoing development, upgrades, and enhancements.
14. Works with other functional leads on developing processes and procedures to test and validate updates, patches and fixes to ensure accuracy in computation of student's accounts.
15. Confers with students, staff and others, as applicable to resolve complex application and eligibility issues.
16. Works closely with management and attends college financial aid meetings as needed.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Regulations, rules, and institutional policies and processes relating to financial aid and the connections to admissions, registration, and accounting.
• Federal and institutional satisfactory academic progress policies.
• Federal and State regulations, policies and procedures relating to awarding and administering financial aid.
• Specialized databases used in financial aid, computer applications, operating sytems, hardware, telecommunications and network systems.

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Access various databases and manipulate the date contained therein;
• Utilize word/information processing applications and productions;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Learn and interpret specific rules, laws, and policies, and apply them with good judgment in a variety of procedural situations;
• Operate a computer with accuracy and speed;
• Establish and maintain office records and files;
• Apply high-level, technical computer skills.
• Must be able to operate a variety of computer terminals, printers, and peripheral equipment;
• Requires the ability to access and enter, import, and export data to and from computer-aided student financial aid applications and update special tables;
• Requires the ability to analyze technical and complex information and documents and make assessments according to policies, procedures, and mandated regulations;
• Perform complex systems and data analysis related to financial aid systems;
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service systems, develop projects and support services;
• Participate in technical discussions with technical and non-technical groups;

Working Conditions:

• Duties are primarily performed in an office environment, at a desk or at a computer.
• The incumbent will experience frequent interruptions while performing normal duties during regular workday.
• The incumbent will have contact, in person, via email, or on the telephone, with executive, management, supervisory, academic and classified staff and the general public.

Physical Demands:

• Typically may sit for extended periods of time.
• Operates a computer and software programs.
• Communicates over the telephone, via email, and in person.
• Regularly lifts, carries, and/or moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Special Qualification:
Evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and to staff and students with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems with three years of experience in computer network/software use and support, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience relevant to the position. Experience is preferred in an education or social services agency environment, with experience in researching, training and implementing student services technology.

Additional Information

The desired start date is July 2024. This is a full-time, 12-month classified position.

Hours for this position are:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

To be considered for this position, the candidate must submit the following application materials:

• Cover Letter
• A current and complete resume/CV of education and professional experience.
• Transcripts (Copies are acceptable for the application process). Official transcripts are required if hired.

Allan Hancock College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Hancock College will not sponsor any visa applications.