College: SOWELA

Department: Enrollment Management & Student Affairs

Sub department: Enrollment Management/ Financial Aid

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Administrative/Staff

Salary: Start of $37,000 annually, with actual offer based on education and experience

Duties and Responsibilities: • Knowledge and understanding of guidelines and eligibility associated with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and the regulations governing the various programs.
• Advise students and parents in a compassionate manner regarding rules, eligibility and qualifications governing student aid programs.
• Assist students with the completion of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and other required documentation.
• Assist with the verification of financial aid applications, which includes:
o Use of the software and hardware relating to the application
o Review applications for accuracy of information and completion of documentation
o Request appropriate documentation of information as required by federal regulations
• Use of professional judgment in a fair and consistent manner to make decisions for situations which arise that are not covered by federal regulation. (i.e., dependency overrides, special condition applications)
• Assist with high school visits as needed for FAFSA Workshops and financial aid workshops for prospective students
• Coordinate the financial aid appeal process.
• Coordinate the financial literacy workshops.
• Assist with updating financial aid forms and website information.
• Assist the One Stop Center with financial aid-related questions and provide front counter services as needed.
• Inform the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Operations of issues and concerns and recommend changes to better serve the students.
• Participate in conferences and workshops (whether in person or virtual) to remain knowledgeable on regulations pertaining to financial aid.
• Maintain files accurately, on paper and in software programs (such as Banner and Microsoft Office programs).
• Comply with all office attendance and leave policies.
• Other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education: • Associate degree from an accredited higher education institution.

Required Experience: One year of experience in an education setting working with students.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required Licenses or Certifications: • Thorough knowledge and understanding of federal and state financial aid and cash management regulations. Knowledge and understanding of the regulations governing Student Financial Aid programs.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population, including students, parents, colleagues, the Department of Education, auditors, and scholarship donors.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to identify problems and solutions, as well as execute plans.
• Knowledge of automated financial aid systems including the U.S. Department of Education’s electronic processes.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and networked personal computers.
• Proficiency in or ability to become proficient in a variety of software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations needed to complete job tasks.
• Skilled at planning, organizing, and prioritizing job duties to meet deadlines.
• Maintaining interpersonal professional working relationship at all levels – students, peers, and Executives.

Preferred Education: 

Preferred Experience: One year of work experience in a higher education setting.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.