Financial Aid Assistant

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST APPLY VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/accs/gadsden/jobs/5031294/financial-aid-specialist-i?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Specialist I is responsible for managing daily operations within the Financial Aid Office, under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid. This role includes the processing and awarding of Title IV funds and WIOA, TRA, and VA benefits. The primary work location is the Ayers Campus, though assignments at other Gadsden State campuses may be required as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years of postsecondary education with a minimum of 15 semester hours in a business-related area from an approved U.S. Department of Education accredited institution required

• Two (2) years of experience in a postsecondary student services and/or financial aid office required

• Associate’s degree in accounting or business preferred

• Friendly personality; enthusiastic, positive attitude; evidence of trustworthiness and ethical conduct; effective human relations skills; strong work ethic

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational and time management abilities

• Ability to work independently with sound decision-making skills

• Capable of interpreting and applying moderately complex instructions and regulations

• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel, general office procedures, and records management systems

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, and external stakeholders

• Working knowledge of office technology and standard equipment

• Ability to manage tasks and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion

• Ability to keyboard at 40 correct (net) words a minute for 3 minutes

• Knowledge of advanced word processing, including merge functions, database, and spreadsheet software (Computer Level II Exam)

• Working knowledge of office procedures; general office procedures, GSCC procedures, composition, and records management (Office Procedures Level II Exam)

• Ability to pass the required Financial Aid Awarding Certifications and training

DUTIES:

• Supervise and participate in various financial aid functions and services

• Manage inventory and supplies for the Financial Aid Office

• Make minor executive decisions in line with office regulations

• Train staff in proper use and maintenance of equipment

• Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, departments, agencies, and community partners

• Provide front-line customer service to students and parents, including assistance with FAFSA, verification, and SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) appeals

• Oversee processing and compliance for WIOA, TRA, and VA educational benefits

• Attend required VA School Certifying Official (SCO) training and meet annual certification standards

• Track student enrollment for WIOA/TRA recipients and process new contracts and terminations

• Review and certify class schedules for VA students; adjust certifications as needed

• Ensure VA compliance by reporting enrollment changes, withdrawals, and graduations within 30 days of occurrence

• Package and post funding for VA, WIOA, TRA, FWS, and provide backup support for Pell Grant processing

• Manage all aspects of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, including student eligibility, departmental collaboration, onboarding, performance monitoring, and timekeeping

• Resolve conflicts and maintain a respectful and professional work environment

• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies of Gadsden State, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), and the U.S. Department of Education

• Oversee Banner dataload operations including resolution of issues related to ISIRs, SAP, over-awards, verification, and data conflicts

• Manage Next Gen – Dynamic Forms system: build required forms, maintain accurate data for imaging, and stay current with software and security updates

• Provide technical support for Financial Aid operations by improving workflows, enhancing efficiency through technology, and troubleshooting systems in coordination with IT

• Serve as liaison to Admissions and Records for resolving student identity, enrollment, and eligibility issues

• Package and/or review students’ financial aid awards, including addressing corrections, processing ISIR updates, and resolving UEH (Unusual Enrollment History) and bachelor’s degree flags

• Sort, scan, and file documents in accordance with records management standards

• Maintain records, statistical data, and uphold confidentiality

• Assist the Director with state, federal, and institutional reporting requirements

• Execute special projects and additional duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid

Note: The intent of this description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position’s role, scope, FLSA status, or grade.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below represent those that an employee may encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands:

¨ Mobility: Primarily sedentary work with occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching

¨ Manual Dexterity: Regular use of standard office equipment, such as computers, printers, and copiers

¨ Lifting: Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 15 pounds

¨ Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills are essential

Work Environment:

¨ Setting: The position is based in a typical office environment within an educational institution

¨ Travel: Occasional travel may be required to attend conferences, workshops, or meetings

¨ Schedule: Standard work hours are expected; however, flexibility is necessary to accommodate deadlines or program needs

¨ Interaction: Regular collaboration with various departments, faculty, staff, and external partners

PROJECTED STARTING DATE:

September 2025

SALARY: Salary Schedule E3-04- ($39,759-$57,251). Salary will be based on VERIFIED education and years of VERIFIED related experience that is stated on the initial job application only.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

August 18, 2025– 4:00 P.M.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Only complete application packages will be given consideration for employment. Complete package consists of (a) Gadsden State Community College application, (b) letter of interest, (c) current resume; and (d) copies of transcripts of post-secondary education.

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT: https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/about-us/employment.cms

IF AT ANY POINT YOU HAVE PROBLEMS COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION, CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT GADSDEN STATE (jobs@gadsdenstate.edu).

Salary Calculation: For all positions on all Salary Schedules, the salary amount for the selected applicant is determined by step placement on the applicable schedule. Step placement is dependent upon the following: (a) all work experience in public education in Alabama and (b) all other work experience outside of public education in Alabama that, in the sole judgment of the College, directly relates to the requirements of the position. The applicant selected for the position must provide written verification(s) of this work experience within the time provided herein if such experience is to be considered in determining their initial step place on the Salary Schedule.

Format for Work Experience Verifications: Work experience verifications should be in the form of verification letters from employers and must include complete employment dates, job title(s), job duties, and an indication whether such employment was full-time or part-time, and if part-time, the average number of hours worked each week. The letters should be on official letterhead and contain an authorized personnel signature. The College’s official employment verification form is also acceptable and is available upon request. If an employment verification cannot be obtained due to a legitimate reason, for purposes of meeting minimum requirements an applicant may submit copies of other trustworthy documentation such as appointment letters, contracts, pay stubs, or W-2 forms documenting the term of employment. However, such documentation is generally insufficient for salary calculation purposes if job duties and dates of employment are not self-evident in the documentation.

Please Note:

• ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE ELECTRONIC- It is recommended that you have digital (such as pdf) copies of your cover letter, resume, employment verification documents (if applicable), ALL required transcripts, and any other document identified in the vacancy announcement ready when you begin the on-line application process. You will be given the opportunity to upload these during the process.

When you finish the steps to apply, you will receive an on-screen notice that you have successfully applied. HOWEVER, this notice does not mean your application materials are complete in accordance with the vacancy announcement.

All correspondence with applicants regarding the College's search process will be sent via e-mail. If you need technical assistance, such as resetting your password or browser access issues after reviewing the instructions, please contact:

NEOGOV Customer Service:
Monday-Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST
(855) 524-5627

Applicants must adhere to the College’s prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. Application materials are considered privileged and confidential and will be used for employment purposes only.

Gadsden State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, including postsecondary institutions under the control of the Board of Trustees, that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or other classification protected by Federal or State law, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment. Gadsden State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation. This employer participates in E-Verify.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,759.00 - $57,251.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $39,759 - $57,251