VIRGINIA COLLEGE in COLUMBIA

FINANCIAL PLANNERS

Under general supervision, assists students and parents regarding the financial aid process, and provides information on available programs, procedures, and eligibility requirements. Reviews financial aid applications and related documentation for compliance with eligibility requirements. Provides assistance to students and parents in the completion of financial aid applications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Reviews, verifies, and assesses applications and support documents in accordance with established guidelines to determine financial aid eligibility.
   
2. Interacts with students and/or families to follow up on missing or deficient information; relays and discusses status of application.
   
3. Provides information to students and families regarding the options for obtaining financial aid, the process for requesting aid, and the eligibility requirements for receiving and maintaining aid.
   
4. Maintains financial aid activity database, and prepares routine statistical reports and correspondence; sets up files on aid claimants, and maintains demographic data, as appropriate.
   
5. Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the department.
   
6. Processes and accounts for loans, promissory notes, and/or other types of financial assistance; monitors expenditure to budget and, as appropriate, reconciles ledgers.
   
7. Reviews checks and promissory notes with respect to current eligibility of intended aid recipient; returns ineligible checks to awarding agencies; returns non-valid promissory notes to students.
   
8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or GED with 1 to 3 years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
  
• Database management skills.
  
• Ability to perform simple accounting procedures.
  
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
  
• Ability to process computer data and to format and generate reports.
  
• Records maintenance skills.
  
• Ability to complete moderately complex administrative paperwork.
  
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.