Job Summary: The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for assisting in obtaining, processing and packaging, and providing of student financial aid information. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meets with students and parents concerning the financial aid application process, types of financial aid available, and deadlines for applying for aid, and assists in completing the required forms when requested.
• Prepares financial aid package, makes recommendations of financial needs based upon review of need analysis forms, reviews data for accuracy, and forwards award package to supervisor for final review.
• Prepares award letters for students receiving financial aid, completes information needed for disbursement and receipt of funds, and records and submits award information to business office.
• Monitors student enrollment to verify that loan eligibility requirements are being met, and notifies lender of enrollment changes.
• Interviews students for work-study, monitors work-study position availability and maintains time sheets.
• Performs applicable processes when students withdraw such as recalculate awards and notifies national reporting agency.
• Performs electronic data imports of applications and serves on various committees as needed.
• Contacts delinquent student loan borrowers to offer assistance in bringing student loans current.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Extended hours may be required during peak processing periods.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, And Skills:

• Knowledge of student financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Ability to interview and obtain pertinent information.
• Ability to disseminate information orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and compile data.
• Ability to monitor student enrollment activities.
• Must be customer service oriented.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal education equivalent of an associate’s degree in general business, office management or a related field
  • Plus two years of experience in financial aid, banking or a related field
• Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Department of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Salary:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicant Deadline:  Position to start as soon as possible. Interviews to begin immediately. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

Application Procedure:

All candidates must apply online at https://www.seark.edu/careers.  Click 'Start Application' to complete the online application.  Interested individuals should submit a completed Southeast Arkansas College Employment Application.  Please note:  All transcripts, certifications, and other credentials should be uploaded with your Resume and Cover Letter.  Paper documents will not be accepted.

Required Applicant Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. College Transcripts (Please note:  Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment.)
4. Certifications, licensures, or other credentials (Please note:  Official copies will be required upon offer of employment.)