Financial Aid Specialist

Virginia's Community College System is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to join their team at Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC). This role involves assisting students and families through the financial aid process, ensuring they receive timely and accurate financial aid services to support their educational goals.ResponsibilitiesAssist students and parents in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through in‑person appointments, phone consultations, virtual sessions, and group workshops on and off campusProvide clear, accurate, and student-centered guidance on financial aid eligibility, documentation requirements, and application processes, helping students navigate complex financial decisionsUse Salesforce to send communications, schedule appointments, and support student outreach initiativesAnswer and direct all incoming phone calls for the Financial Aid Office to ensure excellent customer serviceRespond to financial aid email inquiries in a timely mannerConduct financial aid workshops and schedule one‑on‑one appointments for FAFSA assistanceComplete timely awarding and data entry for all eligible students in a high-volume processing environment with established deadlinesUtilize systems such as PeopleSoft, COD, NSLDS, and Salesforce to process and manage financial aid records and reportingAdjust awards after census based on enrollment, charges, and eligibility changesManage and resolve required “to‑do” list items including: High School Transcripts, High School Conflict, and Proof of Veteran StatusHandle specialized cases such as: Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU), Third‑party contracts, Social Security number mismatches, and Out‑of‑state students requiring manual reviewManage complex financial aid scenarios requiring analysis, independent judgment, and application of federal and state regulationsServe as the institutional liaison for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), ensuring student understanding of requirements and assisting with: SAP appeal processing, Communications to students, and End-of-semester proceduresDetermine student eligibility for the G3 last‑dollar program based on Virginia residency and income thresholdsAward and track G3 funding in accordance with state guidelines and institutional proceduresMaintain accurate documentation and compliance for all G3 program participantsServe as the college’s School Certifying Official (SCO) for VA education benefitsProcess all enrollment certifications in Enrollment Manager promptly and accuratelyEnsure compliance with federal regulations governing VA education benefits, including reporting enrollment changes, tracking benefit usage, and managing required documentationMaintain communication with the State Approving Agency (SAA) regarding program approval and compliance mattersProvide guidance to veterans, servicemembers, reservists, and dependents regarding benefit requirements and certification timelinesMaintain accurate, organized records in accordance with FERPA, federal guidelines, and institutional policiesSupport departmental projects, reporting requirements, and initiatives as assigned by the supervisorParticipate in professional development and training to stay current with changes in financial aid, VA regulations, and state programsPerform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the collegeContribute to institutional goals related to enrollment, retention, and completion by ensuring students receive timely and accurate financial aid supportSkillsHigh School Diploma or Equivalent requiredDemonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, faculty, and staff in a fast-paced environmentStrong computer and technical skills, including data entry, report generation, and use of systems such as Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, and financial aid platformsAbility to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriatelyStrong organizational skills, including customer service, records management, and attention to detailAbility to multitask, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectivelyKnowledge of or ability to learn federal and state financial aid programs and regulationsAbility to interpret, apply, and explain complex policies and regulatory requirements in a way that is clear and accessible to students and familiesStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse populationsAbility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a teamAbility to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environmentStrong analytical and mathematical skills related to financial aid processing and eligibilityDemonstrated cultural competence and commitment to supporting diverse student populationsAbility to understand and communicate complex government regulations to students and stakeholdersValid driver's license requiredExperience working in a financial aid office or higher education settingAdministrative office support experience in higher education preferredExperience with PeopleSoft Student Information System or similar database systemsFamiliarity with federal and state financial aid programs and regulationsExperience supporting financial aid processes such as FAFSA completion, awarding, or SAPExperience working with Veterans Affairs education benefits or willingness to learn SCO responsibilitiesExperience supporting outreach, workshops, or student engagement initiativesExperience with data systems and reporting tools preferredAbility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support student activities or eventsBenefitsState and VCCS benefitsCompany OverviewSince 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. It was founded in 1966, and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://www.vccs.edu/.



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