The Verification Specialist independently reviews, analyzes, and revises federal and state financial aid application data. The verification specialist must be able to interpret complex federal and state regulations to analyze tax returns, W-2’s, citizenship documents and any supporting documentation quickly and accurately. Evaluates unusual or mitigating circumstances and documentation also exercises judgment by adjusting or revising cost, contribution, need or dependency status.

1. Understand and provide complete and accurate financial aid counseling of students interested in applying for federal and institutional financial aid assistance.
2. Work collaboratively with other Financial Aid Verification Specialists.
3. Provide excellent customer service to students through emails, phone calls, and face to face interactions.
4. Create and maintain student financial aid files in college imaging system and SIS system.
5. Verify database information with student documentation and process corrected data.
6. Cross train and assist with other financial aid department functions.
7. Collect data from students to process special circumstance requests.
8. Perform sound professional judgement when necessary.
9. Attend work activities or programs as scheduled or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of federal, state and institutional student financial aid program requirements and regulations.
2. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other college supported systems such as Colleague and Workday
3. Skill in customer relations and handling difficult interpersonal situations.
4. Ability to complete work accurately and with careful attention to detail.
5. Ability to work independently, structure time, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects.
6. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, push, reach, and walk to complete task.
7. Ability to communicate effectively, in verbally and in writing, in a courteous and professional manner.
8. Ability to maintain and adhere to FERPA guidelines.
9. Excellent communication skills including active listening.
10. Ability to work well with minimal supervision in a team-orientated environment.
11. Ability to effectively work and interact with various cultures and ethnicities.

Associate’s degree in a related field with two (2) years of full-time financial aid experience especially with post-secondary financial aid programs or customer service.

Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience considered.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.