Student Services Specialist - Financial Aid

The Student Services Specialist – Financial Aid is responsible for assisting students and families with the financial aid process, providing guidance on available programs, and ensuring accurate and timely processing of aid. Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Specialist helps administer federal, state, and institutional aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Workforce Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP), institutional scholarships, alternative student loans, and veteran education benefits. This position plays a key role in supporting student success by helping students understand their options, complete required applications, and maintain eligibility, while upholding institutional, state, and federal policies. The Financial Aid Specialist also safeguards the confidentiality of applications, records, and decisions in accordance with FERPA and sound ethical practices, ensuring that both students and the College remain in compliance with all program regulations.

The Student Services Specialist – Financial Aid, reports directly to the Dean of Students.

1. Provides front-line assistance to students and parents regarding financial aid applications, deadlines, eligibility, and award information.
2. Performs clerical duties associated with the Financial Aid Office, including acknowledging and greeting all students and visitors, answering a multi-line telephone, responding to emails, managing and directing student traffic.
3. Process verification, appeal and professional judgment documents and notify the appropriate financial aid personnel that documents are ready for review.
4. Assign Federal Work Study Program positions and coordinate the hiring process with Human Resources, including maintaining a rolling applicants list, collaborating with Human Resources to schedule and facilitate interviews, determining student eligibility to work across multiple semesters, and maintaining accurate record of hours and placements.
5. Complete forms required by the Department of Human Resources, Housing Authority, and others as requested.
6. Advises and guides students through completing the FAFSA and other required documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely submission regarding Title IV, Scholarship and Veteran’s Affairs (VA) students.
7. Reviews student files and inputs data into the Banner/Ellucian system to process financial aid awards.
8. Support financial aid director in ensuring timely and accurate reporting of financial aid programs.
9. Manages the day-to-day functions of processing Veteran Education Benefits, including serving as the secondary alternate School Certifying Official for VA Education Benefits.
10. Assist with the implementation and applying Institutional and Foundational Scholarships.
11. Monitors student eligibility, including satisfactory academic progress (SAP), enrollment status, and program of study requirements.
12. Clearly explains financial aid policies, disbursement schedules, and student responsibilities in student-friendly terms.
13. Responds promptly and professionally to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person, ensuring excellent customer service.
14. Participates in student service events and financial aid outreach efforts, including workshops, orientations, and campus events to promote financial literacy and aid awareness.
15. Coordinates with Admissions, Business Office, Student Services, and other departments to support enrollment and retention.
16. Maintains organized, accurate, and confidential student records in compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
17. Stays current with financial aid policies, procedures, and system updates through training and professional development.
18. Serves on committees and attends meetings as assigned.
19. Performs other duties as assigned by the President, Dean of Students, or Director of Financial Aid.
20. Adheres to the policies, rules, and standards of Reid State Technical College, the Alabama Community College System, accrediting agencies, and federal regulatory bodies.

1. Minimum associate degree from a regionally accredited college or institution is required.
2. Bachelor’s or Master’s in finance, education, business or a related field is strongly preferred.
3. Minimum two (2) years of experience in student services, financial aid, or a related office setting in higher education is preferred.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required.
5. Ability to handle confidential information and exercise sound judgment is required.
6. Ability to multi-task, prioritize objectives and demonstrate good conflict resolution, time-management and strong organization skills with accuracy and attention to detail is required.
7. Ability to problem-solve and to professionally work alongside students and stakeholders who have a variety of personalities and backgrounds is required.
8. Ability to work collaboratively and independently is required.
9. Experience in dealing with sensitive and personal information regarding federal, state and local protocol is required.
10. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) and data systems and software such as, but not limited to, Banner, NeoEd, and Salesforce/TargetX, is preferred.
11. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to explain processes and policies clearly to students and staff with a variety of personalities and backgrounds is required.
12. Minimum working knowledge of local, state and national financial aid policies and procedures; federal and state reporting; accreditation requirements; and institutional effectiveness is required.
13. Ability to mitigate conflict and effectively advise students on financial aid matters is required.

14. Manual dexterity and ability to perform extensive and prolonged data entry.

15. Ability to lift boxes weighing approximately 20-30 lbs.

16. Ability to move computer equipment (printers) if required.

17. Ability to perform extensive numerical and statistical calculations is required.

18. Ability to conceptualize, develop, and edit comprehensive statistical reports.

19. Visually, auditorily, and orally able to perform the reporting, data analysis, computer, and supervisory functions of the position.

As this is an online application system, please use an email address that you regularly monitor, as any applicable follow-up notifications will be sent to the email address listed on the application. Please read the entire application procedure before applying.

Applicants must meet the minimum and required qualifications and must submit a completed application through the online application system to be considered for this position. Submission of a completed application packet is the applicant's responsibility. To be considered for an interview, only complete application packages will be given consideration; incomplete application packets will eliminate the possibility of an interview.

The applicant must submit all the following as outlined:

• A completed official College employment application
• A cover letter addressing your interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and how your skills align with the essential duties and responsibilities of the posted position.
  • The cover letter should be no more than one page in length.
• A current resume
• Written verification of minimum required work experience from a current or previous employer.
  • Verification must include employment dates, job title, and indicate whether the employment was full-time or part-time.
  • There is a form that can be used, which is available at https://www.rstc.edu/employment, located under Documents,

OR

• • A letter on official letterhead and including an authorized signature.
• Copy of unofficial or official transcripts. (Transcripts must confirm the applicant meets educational requirements.)
  • If employed by the College, it is the employee's responsibility to furnish official transcripts to the Office of Human Resources of Reid State Community College from the institution(s) granting the educational credits.
  • Copies of a High School diploma will not be accepted.

Applications must be filed online at: https://www.rstc.edu/employment. If at any point you have problems completing your application, contact the human resources department at Reid State Community College (sbrown@reidstate.edu).

Please note: All application materials must be electronic. It is recommended that you have digital copies (such as PDFs) of your resume, employment verification documents (if applicable), all required transcripts, and any other documents identified in the vacancy announcement ready when you begin the online application process. You will be given the opportunity to upload these during the process. Reid State Community College does not accept faxed, mailed, or e-mailed application materials.

Complete application files must be received by the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified from consideration. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered.

Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

In accordance with Alabama Community College System policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

Reid State Community College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify electronically confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

Reid State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

Reid State Community College will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants or employees. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation for the interview are encouraged to request it when contacted for an interview appointment.

The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the award being made. The College reserves the right to fill the position within one year of the stated anticipated starting date or not to fill the position due to budgetary or operational considerations.