Financial Aid Assistant - job 1 of 2

As a Financial Aid Assistant at Unitek Learning, your primary responsibilities will include administering and processing financial aid applications, counseling students and parents about their financial options, calculating Return of Title IV, and maintaining compliance with all federal and state regulations regarding financial aid. You will also be responsible for creating and processing financial aid awards while interacting with other departments to assist students effectively.

To qualify for the Financial Aid Assistant position at Unitek Learning, you need to have at least a high school degree or GED. However, an associate degree or higher in fields related to accounting, finance, or business administration is preferred. Additionally, an understanding of Title IV regulations and strong customer service skills are necessary to effectively communicate sensitive financial information to students and parents.

Unitek Learning offers a collegiate and supportive work environment for Financial Aid Assistants. The company values teamwork and professional development, providing opportunities for leadership training and career growth. You'll also enjoy a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous vacation time, and opportunities for tuition assistance.

As a Financial Aid Assistant at Unitek Learning, you are expected to have availability for at least two evenings per week to accommodate our evening student population. Additionally, you may be required to work overtime during peak periods, which could include evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the needs of the students and the department.

Unitek Learning offers a variety of additional benefits for its Financial Aid Assistants, including a 401k plan with company matching, company-paid life insurance equal to your annual salary, and up to 100% tuition assistance and forgiveness for you and your family for eligible programs. You will also enjoy 12 paid holidays and floating holidays, plus 2 weeks of vacation that increases with years of service.

In responding to this question, highlight any relevant education or previous job experiences that involved federal or state financial aid regulations. Be specific about your understanding of Title IV regulations and how you have applied them in past roles, which demonstrates your expertise in managing financial aid.

Share examples of times you've navigated sensitive conversations in your past jobs. Emphasize your ability to empathize and provide clear information, ensuring the student understands their options without feeling overwhelmed. Highlight the importance of listening and maintaining a positive attitude while providing support.

Discuss your methods for staying informed about regulatory changes, such as subscribing to newsletters from the Department of Education, participating in webinars, or attending relevant industry conferences. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning about updates will reflect your commitment to compliance in the role.

Outline your procedural steps, like reviewing the application for completeness, ensuring accuracy of the information provided, and following up on missing documents. Highlight your attention to detail and organizational skills, which are critical for maintaining compliance and streamlining the application process.

Explain your methods for organizing and prioritizing tasks, such as using to-do lists, digital project management tools, or maintaining an efficient filing system. Give specific examples of how you have managed competing deadlines in previous roles while ensuring that student needs are still met.

Share any direct experiences you've had in counseling or advising individuals, especially around financial topics. You can mention how you helped students overcome barriers by providing them with accurate information and solutions, creating a more supportive environment.

Provide a step-by-step method you would use to explain the award package to a student, using layman's terms. Emphasize your ability to break down complex information into user-friendly dialogue, helping them make informed decisions about their financial aid.

Talk about your prior experience conducting audits or ensuring compliance within the financial aid field. Detail the processes you followed, the objectives you set, and how your auditing contributed to maintaining institutional integrity and accountability.

Express your enthusiasm for education and how Unitek Learning's mission aligns with your values. Give insights into your aspirations to help students achieve their career goals through financial guidance, reflecting your commitment to the school's vision and students' success.

Emphasize the critical nature of clear and effective communication in the financial aid process. Discuss how good communication builds trust with students and their families and facilitates understanding, ultimately making the financial aid process smoother and more transparent.