Financial Aid Technician - Navajo Technical University

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Financial Aid Manager with a work schedule of five days and 40 hours/week. Duties are performed 12 months a year. May be required to work some evenings and Saturdays during peak periods, such as registration, audits, fiscal year-end, graduations, etc.

The Financial Aid Technician manages the financial aid website, supports the technical aspects of PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar, and processes FAFSA records. Works within the Financial Aid Office, with strong support and ties to Information Technology. They will work closely with the Financial Aid Manager and Information Technology Department to identify and develop solutions, efficiencies, and ongoing improvements in the world of Financial Aid.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with setting up and testing new PowerFAIDs releases and updates that occur on a regular basis throughout the year.
• Design and execute solutions for common challenges within the financial aid software.
• Build reports as requested by financial aid and other areas as needed.
• Provide technical PowerFAIDs/Jenzabar support for financial aid staff and serve as the primary subject matter expert for the software databases.
• Create and maintain training materials and user documentation to support business and technology needs.
• Communicate process changes, enhancements, and modifications - verbally or through written documentation - to management, peers, staff, and other employees so that issues and solutions are understood.
• Responsibility for maintaining data integrity and maintaining security, handling, and privacy best practices.
• Assist with the identification, evaluation, and selection of various technology applications to support the organization and the delivery of programs.
• Deliver training as needed to various on-campus groups or individuals based on demand.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Information Technology and Financial Aid in support of the system issues.
• Assist with entering foundation, departmental and external scholarships.
• Assist with compiling federal and state-mandated reports (IPEDS, NMHED, AIHEC, FISAP, etc.) including Institutional Reports.
• Serve as Destination Point Administrator (DPA) for the University and maintains access to FAA Access to CPS Online, COD, NSLDS, EDConnect, and other online portals. Operates the Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) software to download Institutional Student Information Records (ISIR) on a weekly basis or as needed.
• Assist with weekly disbursement of financial aid.
• Assist with the reconciliation of student aid, grants, and scholarships.
• Assist with Annual Compliance Audit.
• Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in business administration, Information Technology, accounting or a closely related field.
• Four years performing financial aid in a college or university setting, including two years that included technical review and processing of financial aid applications.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, and procedures of technical financial aid accounting and budget control record management.
• Organization and planning methods, trends, techniques and practices.
• Advanced operations, services and activities of a college financial aid office.
• Methods and techniques of financial aid disbursement and scholarship administration.
• Various financial aid programs, policies, grant and systems.
• Applicable computer software applications.
• Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to financial aid.

Ability to:

• Make complex arithmetical calculations and verify the results.
• Advise, evaluate and award financial aid.
• Interview and gather information related to financial aid eligibility from students.
• Interpret and explain complex financial aid policies and procedures.
• Work with students of various backgrounds under stressful situations.
• Analyze and interpret financial aid-related data.
• Maintain complex computer database information.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Respond to complex requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating business computers, phone systems, and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work as a team member in a structured working environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk and stand.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is typically performed within an office work environment.
• Travel to other campuses and sites may be required. Travel to conferences and training out-of-state may be required.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.