Financial Aid Specialist - Workforce Development and Special Programs

Financial Aid Specialist - Workforce Development and Special Programs Location 5160 Fayetteville Road, Lumberton, NC Job Type Full-Time Staff Job Number 00238 Department Instruction and Support Services Opening Date 05/06/2026 Closing Date 5/20/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Description Benefits Description The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and processing of financial assistance programs that support Workforce Development and Continuing Education students, including the new Workforce Pell initiative, the North Carolina Finish Line Grant Program, and other state, federal, institutional, and special grant-funded programs. This position assists students throughout the financial aid process, ensures accurate and timely awarding and disbursement of funds, maintains compliance with all applicable regulations, and provides exceptional student support services. Detailed Work Activities Essential Duties

• Administers the Workforce Pell program, including assisting eligible students with the application and verification process, determining eligibility, packaging and processing awards, monitoring enrollment, and ensuring compliance with all federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for students receiving Workforce Pell funding, providing counseling on eligibility requirements, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment status, and award timelines.
• Administers the Finish Line State Emergency Grant Program, including identifying eligible students based on state criteria, assisting with application completion, awarding emergency assistance funds, and coordinating with the Business Office and outside vendors to resolve student emergency needs.
• Manages and administers special grants and scholarship programs designated for Workforce Development and short-term credential students, including state, institutional, and externally funded programs.
• Processes all aspects of aid administration including awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, adjustments, and reporting for assigned programs.
• Reviews and verifies student information, resolves conflicting data, and requests required documentation to complete aid files.
• Maintains accurate and organized student records in accordance with federal, state, institutional, FERPA, and audit requirements.
• Utilizes financial aid software systems, student information systems, and document imaging platforms to process applications and maintain records.
• Provides counseling and advising to students regarding financial aid options, grant opportunities, deadlines, and program requirements.
• Conducts outreach and student engagement activities, including FAFSA events, open houses, workshops, orientations, and workforce enrollment events.
• Collaborates with Workforce Development and Student Services staff to promote enrollment and student persistence.
• Assists with internal and external audits, program reviews, and compliance monitoring activities.
• Research changes in financial aid regulations, Workforce Pell guidance, and grant program requirements and makes recommendations for process improvement.
• Provides high quality customer service to all clients which includes but is not limited to students, faculty, staff and community partners.
• Represents the College professionally and handling all financial affairs.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services. Planning
• Research financial aid trends and makes recommendations to improve the delivery of financial aid services to the Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services
• Identifies potential financial aid strategies to increase community awareness of financial aid options.
• Maintains working relationship and collaborates with RCC's Recruiter in an effort to increase enrollment
• Identifies and communicates appropriate financial trends. Organizing
• Organizing procedures for the implementation of all official policies and regulations of Robeson Community College, the State of NC, and United States Department of Education related to financial aid.
• Assists with the development of financial aid related information for college publications.
• Assists Federal and State Officials with auditing issues as it relates to student aid programs Controlling
• Maintains compliance with established performance standards with the North Carolina Community College System, Robeson Community College, and other entities.
• Maintains compliance with the Fiscal Management system policies and procedures set forth for the Financial Aid Office. Public Relations
• Maintains intra-institution relationships with members of the Board of Trustees, administrative personnel and other employees of the college.
• Collaborates with the NCCCS staff on public relations and marketing opportunities.
• Promotes the Robeson Community College with local, state, regional, and national citizenry.
• Participates in activities that promote and enhance the college's image among its various publics. Other
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs.

Qualifications Education Associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Experience Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a college setting, preferably in financial aid.

Preferred:

Experience in financial aid processing and compliance Knowledge of Workforce Pell regulations and implementation Experience administering Finish Line Grant or other special grant programs Experience working with Workforce Development and Continuing Education students. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Other Qualifications Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; relate in a professional, helpful manner in person and over the phone; relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations. Knowledge of Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to financial aid. Experience using computers and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures concerning financial aid programs Ability to perform mathematical calculations and/or verify information accurately. Ability to multi-task, organize, prioritize, and work in a high-paced atmosphere Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems effectively. Must have a valid NC Driver's License due to occasional travel requirements. Robeson Community College offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, retirement, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. Employer Robeson Community College (NC) Address PO Box 1420 Lumberton, North Carolina, 28359 Phone 910-272-3537 Website http://robeson.edu