College: SOWELA

Department: Enrollment Management & Student Affairs

Sub department: Enrollment Management/ Financial Aid

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Administrative/Staff

Salary: Start of $35,000 with actual offer based on experience and education

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Knowledge and understanding of guidelines and eligibility associated with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and the regulations governing the various programs.
• Coordinate the MJ Foster Promise program, including serving as the primary point of contact for students, submitting and reconciling billing, and reporting grades for the program.
• Counsel students and parents regarding the completion of financial aid applications.
• Advise students and parents in a compassionate manner regarding rules, eligibility and qualifications governing student aid programs.
• Assist with the verification of financial aid applications, which includes:
o Use of the software and hardware relating to the application
o Review applications for accuracy of information and completion of documentation
o Request appropriate documentation of information as required by federal regulations
• Use of professional judgment in a fair and consistent manner to make decisions for situations which arise that are not covered by federal regulation. (i.e., dependency overrides, special condition applications)
• Assist with high school visits as needed for FAFSA Workshops and financial aid workshops for prospective students.
• Coordinate the financial literacy workshops.
• Coordinate the financial aid appeal process.

• Assist the One Stop Center with financial aid related questions.
• Inform the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Operations of issues and concerns and recommend changes in processes to better serve the students.
• Participate in conferences and workshops (whether in person or virtual) to remain knowledgeable on regulations pertaining to financial aid.
• Maintain files accurately, on paper, and in software programs (such as Banner and Microsoft Office programs).
• Comply with all office attendance and leave policies.
• Other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education: Associate degree from an accredited higher education institution.

Required Experience: One year of experience in an education setting working with students.

Preferred Experience: One year of work experience in a higher education setting.

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.