Financial Aid Specialist

Ozarka College in Melbourne, AR is seeking qualified applicants for a financial Aid Specialist.  The Financial Aid Specialist, acting under the direction of the Financial Aid Director, is responsible for assisting in directing the overall operation of student financial aid services, reviewing of financial aid awards, and counseling students regarding financial aid information.  This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with students/parents on financial aid eligibility, programs and procedures.
• Review financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility using Federal and Institutional need analysis methodologies.
• Monitor electronic transmitting of data with US Department of Education (ISIR files).
• Administer financial aid/VA awards using Sonis, EDExpress/EDConnect software and VA Once System.
• Complete annual training to maintain VA Benefits coordinator credentials
• Monitor various scholarship programs to (1) verify student initial eligibility and continuing eligibility with regard to credit hours completion requirements, GPA requirements, credit hours enrolled requirements, etc.; post awards to student accounts; re-verify student eligibility for Foundation and Institution scholarships to ensure that each scholarship roster is accurate prior to processing by the Finance Office.
• Keep informed of Federal and state financial aid rules and regulations (i.e. attend state financial aid and Federal compliance meetings).
• Maintain complete student files to required standards and subject to audits.
• Check student satisfactory academic progress after each regular semester to determine suspension.
• Conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling and counsel students in financial responsibility.
• Administers financial aid workshops and presentations for high school students and parents, transfer students, academic advisors, high school counselors, etc.
• Travel routinely to Ozarka College satellite campuses and travel to area high schools for financial aid events.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities of an Ozarka College employee as outlined in a timely and effective manner.

College Wide:

• Implement systems whereby all learners are given the opportunity to accept the challenges and responsibilities for learning and growing as students and citizens.
• Promote and help develop a College environment of respect, dignity, and cooperation where ideas, questioning and the continued pursuit of self-development are valued as a means toward learning and growing.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Ability to maintain student-friendly office.
• Must possess a work ethic that encompasses a self-motivated attitude and willingness to work independently.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and compile data.
• Ability to monitor student enrollment activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of regulatory environment when administering federal/state programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the use of a computer and related software.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated commitment to the community college philosophy.
• Demonstrated commitment to assisting students and parents.
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development.
• Demonstrated ability to expedite work and meet deadlines. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree
• Financial Aid Office experience of 1-3 years

The position will remain open until a qualified applicant has been selected.  To apply, submit an, Ozarka Employment Application, resume, unofficial copies of transcripts, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references to:

Ozarka College Application