Financial Aid Officer

Job Title:        Financial Aid Officer

Reports To:    Financial Aid Manager

Status:            Full time/ Regular/ Exempt

Salary:            $44,260 annual

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

SUMMARY:

This position serves TOCC students seeking Pell grants, scholarships, and other financial aid resources essential to their success.  Duties involve analysis of student documentation to determine eligibility for aid programs, completion of verification processes, and semester-by-semester review of student eligibility requirements per the College’s satisfactory academic progress rule.  Student success is the cornerstone of the department and excellent customer service that show students that their interests are paramount is critical.  The successful candidate must be technically proficient with PowerFaids, and the Department of Education’s COD system.  The Financial Aid Officer will represent the College off-campus at local high schools and during monthly All Staff meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Counsel students regarding application process, aid programs, and student rights and responsibilities in compliance with aid guidelines

Evaluate and review financial aid awards, process documents, respond to student requests

Participate in strategizing and implementing methods to raise student-centered financial aid services to best practices and benchmarks

Make independent adjustments to a student’s financial aid profile within federal and state regulations and the use of professional judgment.

Conduct orientations and host informational sessions and workshops to students, parents, and/or other interested parties on financial aid, financial aid policy and procedural issues at TOCC.

Respond to inquiries and research and resolve problems related to transactions handled by the FAO;

Provide information, in person, on the telephone, and through electronic chat, to students, prospective students, and families regarding student financial aid.

Serve as liaison with state, federal, tribal, and other agencies; keeps abreast of student assistance opportunities and program regulations.

Assist with the collection, management, and reporting of data in accordance with the objectives of the position; participates in the development and implementation of data management systems and procedures, as appropriate.

Implement, coordinate, and oversee one or more specific administrative programs and/or service areas, as assigned;

Support by the T-So:son (Our Core Values) including T-Wohocudadag Our Beliefs, T-  Apedag  Our Well-Being, T-Pi:k Elida Our Deepest Respect and I-We:mta – Working Together: and

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential responsibilities of the position and financial aid related experience;

Knowledgeable about federal financial aid and the requirements.

Additional Consideration May Be Given To Individuals with the Following Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience and three years’ financial aid related experience;

One-year supervisory experience;

Ability to speak and understand O’odham language;

Knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary issues facing Native peoples.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Arizona Driver’s license with no DUI's or major traffic offenses within the past two years;

Must successfully pass a background check.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning the provision of financial aid to students.

Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.

Knowledge of financial aid-specific data management systems and processes.

Knowledge of the policies and eligibility requirements of a range of federal, state, and agency scholarship programs for students.

SKILLS:

Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.

Organizing and coordinating skills.

Ability to verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid.

Ability to make evaluative judgments.

Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.

Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and over the telephone.

TOCC is a tribal college located on the Tohono O'odham Nation, 60 miles west of Tucson. The Financial Aid Technician will work closely with members of the Tohono O'odham Nation within a multicultural setting.

The College offers a comprehensive benefit package and 401(k).

Proof of Covid-19 vaccination with booster is a requirement for employment with TOCC.