Financial Aid Support Specialist

Job Vacancy Announcement

Position Information -------------------

Position Title: Financial Aid Support Specialist Position Type: Staff Department: Student Affairs FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Union Status: Union Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Grade: 8 Salary Range: $40,619 - $44,680 Annually Fixed Term: Tenure Track Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Description ----------------

This position serves as the initial point of contact for students, parents, and the campus community by providing accurate information, resolving routine eligibility issues, and determining appropriate referrals to Financial Aid Coordinators when necessary. This position will also maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations, or the ability to be trained to that level.

Track and document daily student interactions, including in-person and virtual appointments, using Navigate or other designated systems.

Minimum Qualifications ----------------------

Education and Experience -------------------------

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Three years of customer service experience working with a diverse population required, preferably in a community college or higher education setting.
• Associate degree preferred.

Criteria ----------

The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed.

Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process.

A Resume/CV and cover letter are required with the application. Please ensure that your documents address the criteria listed below for this position.

Essential Duties -----------------

• Serve as the first point of interaction for students and parents entering the Student Financial Aid Office, supporting an average of over 800 visitors per month.
• Provide accurate and compliant financial aid information related to applications, eligibility, documentation requirements, and office procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Review and assess incoming financial aid documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance for more than 15,000 applicants annually.
• Interpret student financial aid records within the Colleague system to address questions, identify discrepancies, and resolve routine issues prior to escalation.
• Assist students with completion of the FAFSA and other required financial aid applications using web-based platforms.
• Complete, certify, and process third-party verification forms, including consortium agreements and Department of Rehabilitation Services forms, etc.
• Retrieve documents and respond to student inquiries received via phone, email, and other communication channels.
• Perform document imaging, indexing, and posting within the Colleague database in accordance with records management and compliance standards.
• Maintain adequate supplies of applications, brochures, and informational materials in public service areas.
• Support institutional initiatives by participating in call campaigns related to registration and enrollment efforts.
• Assist with undeliverable funds reports and related follow-up actions.
• Support and participate in financial aid workshops and outreach activities.
• Deliver consistent high-quality customer service while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with FERPA and financial aid regulations.
• Perform related duties as required to support office operations and student success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities --------------------------------

• Working knowledge of federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid regulations or the ability to acquire this knowledge through training.
• Proficiency in the use of automated systems and databases, including Colleague or comparable financial aid management systems.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to review, interpret, and process detailed financial information accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software applications.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Physical Requirements ----------------------

• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office-related equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
• No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Other Requirements ------------------

• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
• As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, candidates must present acceptable documentation showing that they are a U.S. citizen or a resident authorized to work in the U.S.
• A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment.
• A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview.

Accommodations ----------------

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Prince Georges Community College provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Accommodation determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ECT department.

Is Background Check Required? -----------------------------

Yes

Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus? No

Posting Detail Information -------------------------

Posting Number: PGCC23071112 Open Date: 02/01/2026 Close Date: Open Until Filled Yes Background Check Statement Prince Georges Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial credit report or driving history check.

Special Instructions to Applicants ---------------------------------

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and health and welfare coverage. This position is eligible for overtime and shift differential pay.

Application Status ------------------

You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application upon which time no further communication occurs unless selected for an interview or the position is filled. If recommended for hire, communication is immediately sent to your references listed on your application. Also, you will receive an email notification from HireRight requesting you to submit authorization to complete a background investigation.

Posting Specific Questions -------------------------

1. Which of the following best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

   • Masters Degree or higher from an accredited college/university
   • Bachelors Degree from an accredited college/university
   • Associates Degree from an accredited college/university
   • One to two years of college credit (30 credit hours is equivalent to one year)
   • Less than 30 credits from an accredited college/university
   • High School Diploma or GED
   • None of the above

2. Do you have three years of customer service experience working with a diverse population required, preferably in a community college or higher education setting?

   • Yes
   • No

3. What are your salary expectations for this position? Please provide a range if available.

   • Open-ended question

4. Do you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States?

   • As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, candidates must present acceptable documentation showing that they are a U.S. citizen or a resident authorized to work in the U.S.
   • Yes
   • No

5. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

   • HERC HigherEd Jobs
   • Hispanic Outlook
   • Indeed
   • Personal Referral
   • PGCC Website
   • Social Media
   • LinkedIn
   • Twitter
   • Facebook
   • The Chronicle of Higher Ed
   • The Washington Post
   • Other
   • Please indicate source