Title: Financial Aid Tech

Position Type: Professional Tech Full time

College: Colorado Northwestern Community College

Division: Student Affairs

Department: CNCC Financial Aid

Campus: CNCC Rangely Campus

Location: Rangely

Salary Range: $40,000-50,000

Who We Are:

About Colorado Northwestern Community College
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) fosters educational excellence and student success, prepares students for local and global citizenship, anticipates and responds to the needs of surrounding communities, and contributes to evolving regional economic development.
CNCC is a small, rural community college located in Northwest Colorado, with campuses in Rangely and Craig. The College offers a unique working environment surrounded by outdoor recreation, wildlife, scenic landscapes, and welcoming rural communities.
CNCC offers distinctive programs, including Aviation Technology (Flight), Aviation Maintenance Technology, the National Park Service Academy, and Paleontology. Additional educational opportunities include Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Automotive Technology, and a variety of academic and career and technical programs.
The College offers Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), and certificate programs.
At CNCC, employees contribute directly to student success, workforce development, and the vitality of the communities we serve.
More than a job. A place to make a difference.

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Technician will play a critical role in our Student Services Department by administering student loan, work-study, and grant programs for students. The Financial Aid Technician position must effectively work with the Director of Financial Aid to administer financial aid programs in support of the mission and vision of CNCC to ensure access and support progression and performance of our students. These responsibilities require strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and the ability to work with a diverse student population, as well as an aptitude for administering financial aid programs to ensure compliance with all FERPA and Federal Title IV regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assist students with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Disseminate and clarify information to current and prospective students and their families concerning all available financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility, scholarship applications and status.
2. Will assist the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Rep./School Certifying Official (SCO) for CNCC in Veteran matters pertaining to Veteran’s Education Benefits. New SCO training must be completed with VA prior to completing any VA related duties. Duties will include, but not be limited to:
• Explaining CNCC’s eligible programs to current/incoming Veterans
• Collecting Veteran Education Benefit paperwork
• Assisting Veterans with CNCC’s Certification process
• Attending VA Office Hours
3. Coordinate, facilitate and host FAFSA nights at local area high schools.
4. Coordinate with the Admissions Office for campus visits with all prospective students.
5. Assist students set up their Bank Mobile accounts as needed.
6. Keep current on federal, state, CCCS, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
7. Assist the Director with ensuring students are not over awarded.
8. Contact students if any additional information is needed and assist the student with completion of the FAFSA and verification paperwork.
9. Manage document tracking and storage for financial aid in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy.
10. Disseminate information to students about their FAFSA and financial aid.
11. Handle highly sensitive information and confidential records and materials in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies.
12. Meet with third party vendors regularly to discuss student loan repayments.
13. Responsible for assisting students with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Financial Aid appeals.
14. Will meet with all students who are interested in work-study opportunities and discuss qualifications with potential students.
15. Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to maintain and advance professional development.
16. Perform other tasks of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Competencies/KSAs:

1. Student-Centered Customer Service: Demonstrated ability to provide professional, responsive, and supportive service to students, families, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid requirements, application procedures, and eligibility information clearly and accurately.
3. Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Ability to maintain accurate records, process detailed information, track documentation, and meet deadlines while managing multiple responsibilities.
4. Financial Aid Knowledge and Regulatory Compliance: Ability to learn, interpret, and apply federal, state, CCCS, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures, including FERPA and Federal Title IV requirements.
5. Technology and Administrative Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, electronic records, and administrative systems, with the ability to learn student information systems such as Banner.
6. Problem-Solving and Student Support: Ability to identify issues, research solutions, and assist students with FAFSA applications, verification requirements, satisfactory academic progress appeals, and financial aid processes.
7. Confidentiality and Professional Integrity: Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices, discretion, and the responsible handling of sensitive student and financial information.
8. Collaboration and Organizational Skills: Ability to work effectively with Financial Aid, Admissions, Student Services, and other college departments while independently organizing work and meeting established deadlines.
9. Community Outreach and Engagement: Ability to support financial aid awareness activities, including FAFSA assistance events, high school outreach, and prospective student visits.
10. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Willingness to maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, participate in professional development, and adapt to changing processes and student needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

This job requires any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and/or experience as indicated below:
Education & Training
• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year paid, full-time experience in financial aid and/or customer service.
Licensure/Certification
• Valid Colorado driver license
Equipment & Skills
• Computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite
• Telephone
• Copy Machine/Scanner
Other qualifications
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
• Strong belief and record of personal and professional integrity
• Commitment to professional development and equity
• Must have excellent work attendance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in business & administration, or another related field.
• Experience and or knowledge of financial aid.
• Experience with Banner
• 9 (nine) to 12 (twelve) months customer service experience

Selection Process:

Application Instructions: 

All interested and qualified applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation, along with a completed Colorado Northwestern Community College application for exempt employment to the Department of Human Resources.

CNCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

After filling out your application, please save it as a PDF and email it along with cover letter and letters of recommendation to cncc_hr_pr@cncc.edu

Additional Information/Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

Retirement Benefits: Participation in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), with additional voluntary retirement savings options.

Life and Disability Insurance: Group life insurance and disability coverage options.

Paid Leave: Sick leave, applicable paid holidays, and other qualifying leave benefits in accordance with CCCS policies and faculty contract provisions.

Tuition Reimbursement: Educational assistance opportunities for eligible employees and dependents at CCCS colleges, subject to program requirements.

Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, professional growth, and career development.

Work-Life Balance: A supportive academic environment in Northwest Colorado, offering access to outdoor recreation, small-town living, and strong community connections.

Benefit eligibility, coverage, and leave provisions are determined by employment classification, appointment status, applicable policies, and plan requirements.

For additional information, visit the CNCC Human Resources website: https://www.cncc.edu/about/human-resources/