Financial Aid Officer

Full-Time: Financial Aid Officer                     Salary: $45,000-$50,000
Since 2016, Pawsperity has been helping uplift families from generational poverty through job training in the art of dog grooming. Pawsperity serves some of the community’s most vulnerable members, including individuals often coming from backgrounds of domestic violence, addiction, incarceration, and homelessness.

Position Purpose:
This position is responsible for assisting students and their families with securing financial assistance to fund their education. This typically involves helping students navigate the process of applying for financial aid, understanding various forms of aid (scholarships, SkillUP, Vocational Rehab), and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
Key Responsibilities include:

1. Financial Aid Counseling:
   • Provide guidance to students and their families about financial aid options, including scholarships, SkillUP, Vocational Rehab, and Pell Grants.
   • Help students understand eligibility requirements for different forms of financial aid.
2. Application Review & Processing:
   • Review and assess financial aid applications (e.g., Free Application for Federal Student Aid - FAFSA) to determine student eligibility for various financial assistance programs.
   • Determine the amount of aid to be awarded based on financial need, academic status, and available funding.
3. Award Packaging:
   • Create and communicate individualized financial aid packages that outline the types and amounts of aid students can expect.
   • Work with other departments to ensure that students’ financial aid packages align with their academic plans.
4. Compliance & Reporting:
   • Ensure all financial aid programs comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations and reporting requirements.
   • Prepare and submit required reports to government agencies, accrediting bodies, and institutional leadership.
5. Financial Aid Disbursement:
   • Oversee the disbursement of financial aid funds
   • Resolve any discrepancies or issues related to disbursement.
6. Customer Service:
   • Assist students and families with inquiries regarding financial aid processes, deadlines, and eligibility.
   • Communicate updates and changes to financial aid policies and regulations effectively.

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in case management, finance, education, or a related field; or equivalent years of relevant experience
• Experience: 2 or more years’ experience in financial aid, higher education, or case management.
• Technical Skills: 1 or more years of experience with financial aid management software, databases, and systems (e.g., FAFSA, EDExpress, PeopleSoft).
• Knowledge of Regulations: Understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and regulations

• Generous Health Savings Account ($3,600)
• Health Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan