Pell Boost Initiative Financial Aid Liaison

Title: Pell Boost Initiative Financial Aid Liaison

Agency: Piedmont Virginia Community College

Location: Albemarle - 003

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $53,000 - $60,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The scenic PVCC campus is located in Albemarle County, Virginia. Classes are also offered at the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville (Greene County), the PVCC Jefferson School Center in downtown Charlottesville and at high school sites across the region. For more information, please visit: pvcc.edu

PVCC is known throughout the community and the Virginia Community College System for its exceptional faculty and staff, the quality of its programs and services, and the success of its students. PVCC welcomes, encourages, and supports the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff members and seeks to attract and retain individuals who reflect the communities we serve.

Position Title: Pell Boost Initiative Financial Aid Liaison

Department: Financial Aid

Employment type: Full time grant funded (salaried, non-exempt)


Purpose:

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) seeks a mission driven individual, specializing in Pell Grant support to students. The core responsibility is to assist Pell-eligible students throughout the financial aid process, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to access and maintain their financial aid. This position focuses on providing personalized support, improving student retention, and enhancing financial literacy among Pell Grant recipients.
Work is performed both in the office with extended periods of sitting at a desk reviewing student files and computer use, and off-campus, such as at high schools and other public open events with extended periods of standing. Peak periods will include significant walk-in, phone, and email interactions and communications. Some extended hours and weekends are required. This position is funded through 6/30/2028.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities and functions include the following but are not limited to:

Financial Aid Counseling:

• Provide one-on-one counseling to Pell Grant-eligible students regarding the financial aid application process--including FAFSA completion, verification, and understanding award packages.
• Assist students in understanding Pell Grant eligibility requirements and how to maintain their aid.
• Work closely with admissions and outreach, student resource center, opportunity, success, and achievement, cashier, and academic departments to facilitate a seamless student experience.

Student Support and Retention:

• Monitor academic progress of Pell Grant recipients to ensure compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Develop and implement interventions for students at risk of losing financial aid eligibility due to academic or enrollment issues.
• Integrate into college early alert programs as a financial contact for flagged Pell students
• Collaborate with academic advisors as well as student services and academic areas to support student success initiatives.
• Participate or plan campus events such as orientation, open houses, and financial aid fairs.

Financial Literacy Education:

• Conduct workshops and seminars on financial literacy topics such as budgeting, debt management, and responsible borrowing (if applicable at the institution).
• Create and distribute educational materials to help students make informed financial decisions.

Outreach and Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Pell Grant-related inquiries from students, parents, and campus staff.
• Engage community partners/organizations and generally widen the reach of financial aid dissemination in the college's community
• Community outreach and connection with community partners, may include evenings and weekends
• Proactively reach out to eligible students who have not applied for financial aid or are facing challenges in the process.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, educational and outreach programs offered, as well as other assistance provided.
• Assist in preparing reports related to Pell Grant disbursement, usage, and student outcomes.
• Track College Pell Boost program budget and ensure appropriate recording of expenses.
• Set measurable objectives based on local college needs and track progress throughout the year.
• Follow guidance and requirements as disseminated by the VCCS Program Coordinator.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of student barriers and current evidence-based solutions
• Experience working with diverse individuals and groups
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and follow through
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of individuals from underserved populations
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and work effectively with multi-cultural populations that support diversity, cultural understanding and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; work in a demanding, fast-paced environment with changing priorities; and adhere to required timelines meeting work priorities and objectives
• Demonstrated proficiency using Office 365, Google Suite, and related applications
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Desire to learn and grow as a professional
• Ability to track program outcomes, set measurable objectives, and work toward those targets

• Demonstrated experience in higher education areas such as financial aid, academic/career coaching, or advising
• Experience using tools such as EAB Navigate, PeopleSoft SIS, & Canvas