Financial Aid Specialist

Ozarka College in Melbourne is seeking qualified applicants for Financial Aid Specialist.  The Financial Aid Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid. The Specialist is responsible for assisting students with the financial aid process for all Ozarka College locations.  The deadline for submitting applications will be Friday, August 5, 2016 or until a qualified applicant has been selected.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handle initial contact with students, families and other individuals who contact the financial aid office in person or by telephone;
• Assist students in completing financial aid applications, loan applications, etc;
• Keep current on Federal and State guidelines for financial aid; 
• Attend professional meetings;
• Clerical duties, i.e., typing, filing;
• Prepare and mail correspondence to students for the purpose of completing student’s financial aid files;
• Verify all student applications selected by the Department of Education for verification.
• Post scholarships and loans to student Sonis accounts;
• Review student loan accounts and establish contact with student loan borrowers and/or servicers;
• Assist the lenders and servicers to find missing borrowers through internal records, references and other appropriate means;  
• Assist students in understanding and successfully managing loan obligations by educating borrowers on available repayment and deferment options; 
• Perform appropriate follow-up activities to assist borrowers, such as assistance with deferment and forbearance paperwork;
• Conduct face-to-face and phone interviews for entrance and exit counseling; 
• Work effectively with colleagues for continued growth and quality at Ozarka College; 
• Serve on Ozarka College committees as assigned to assist in providing programs and services that develop and enhance students as members of the college community; 
• Travel routinely to Ozarka College satellite campuses and occasionally travel to area high schools for financial aid events.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities of an Ozarka College employee as outlined in a timely and effective manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree in Business, Human Services, or a related field;
• Must possess a work ethic that encompasses a self-motivated attitude and willingness to work independently;  
• Ability to disseminate information orally and in writing;  
• Ability to collect, analyze, and compile data;  
• Ability to monitor student enrollment activities.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Services, or a related field;
• Financial Aid Office experience of 1-3 years.

To apply, submit an, Ozarka Employment Application, resume, unofficial copies of transcripts, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.

Ozarka College Application