Title: Financial Aid Support Associate 5

Employee Classification: Clerical & Secretarial

Institution: TCAT-Knoxville

Department: Student Services

Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville

Job Summary

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville, is accepting applications for a full-time Financial Aid Support Associate. This non-exempt position works 7.5 hours per day, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. The position offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive State of Tennessee benefits package, and the rewarding experience of helping students launch successful careers.

The Financial Aid Support Associate plays a vital role in advancing the college's vision and mission of providing accessible educational opportunities to prospective and current students. Working collaboratively with the financial aid team and other college departments, this position serves as a welcoming first point of contact, guiding students and their families through the financial aid process by offering accurate information, responsive assistance, and personalized support. The ideal candidate is a dependable team player who brings a strong customer service orientation, excellent communication skills, and a genuine commitment to helping students overcome barriers to education and achieve their career goals.

Job Duties

Student Support and Communications

The Financial Aid Support Associate assists prospective and current students in completing the online enrollment application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal and state funding. This position provides accurate and timely information to students, families, and the general public regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines. The Associate also works with current and prospective students on all aspects of financial aid programs, including third-party student aid programs and scholarships, and assists students with resolving financial aid holds and other account issues. Travel to all campus locations may be required in order to provide consistent support and service to students across TCAT Knoxville. - (Essential)

Financial Aid Processing

This position processes a wide variety of financial aid transactions and daily workflows in accordance with federal, state, and institutional rules, regulations, and procedures. Responsibilities include examining and interpreting financial aid issues, applying appropriate rules, methods, and regulations to resolve student concerns, performing verification activities, and resolving conflicting information in student financial aid files. The Associate also assists with financial aid packaging processes to ensure students receive appropriate aid awards, supports the certification process for dual enrollment students, and conducts student academic progress checks to determine continued financial aid eligibility. - (Essential)

Institutional Engagement and Collaboration

The Financial Aid Support Associate provides support to college leadership and team members during accreditation, institutional assessment, and reporting activities by gathering data, preparing documentation, and completing assigned tasks. This position assists in the recruitment and selection of college personnel. The Associate develops and maintains positive, cooperative working relationships with colleagues across all TCAT Knoxville campuses to ensure consistent service and effective teamwork. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, plus a technical diploma or associate's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of three to five years of office or administrative work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a financial aid office or higher education setting
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs
• Experience with the Banner Student Information System or similar enterprise software

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and guidelines related to assigned duties, with the ability to apply them accurately and consistently
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple complex and routine tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with high schools, colleges, current and prospective students, families, faculty, staff, and the general public
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with diverse populations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly and accurately
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Strong mathematical skills with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated professionalism, organization, follow-through, and discretion
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and remaining current on regulations and policies related to financial aid programs

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Environment: Work is performed primarily in a professional office setting with frequent interruptions from students, staff, and visitors. The position involves regular interaction with the public, including current and prospective students, families, and college personnel. Occasional travel to other TCAT Knoxville campus locations, training sessions, conferences, and college-related events is required. The work environment is generally well-lit, climate-controlled, and moderate in noise level.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to sit or stand for prolonged periods while performing computer-based tasks; to use standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, copier, and printer; to engage in repetitive hand and wrist motions associated with keyboarding and data entry; to read printed materials and computer screens for extended periods; to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds, such as files, boxes, or office supplies; to bend, stoop, reach, and retrieve files or materials from various heights; and to effectively communicate in person, in writing, and by telephone to exchange information clearly and accurately with students, staff, and the public.

In accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines, within the range of $34,939 - $43,673.

To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application that includes uploads of your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please be sure to include the complete beginning and end dates under your employment history. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Resume
Educational transcripts
Certifications

Applications are open until 05/12/2026 or until the position is filled.

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.