Celestino Vargas
Manassas,VA
Summary
Highly motivated professional with 12 years' experience in customer service, time management, and financial advising. Interested in applying skills in a role that will enhance my professional career.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Administrator Advisor
Capella University
08.2021 - Current
- Reviewed initial financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
- Communicated with prospective learners to illustrate available financial aid opportunities.
- Handle FA awarding procedures such as Identity Verification, DHS for the FlexPath and GuidedPath, SAP, COD Rejects, NSLDS overpayments, Reaffirmation forms etc.
- Evaluated eligibility criteria for various funding sources, matching learners with appropriate opportunities.
- Optimized the use of financial aid resources by regularly reviewing and adjusting FA based on learners needs.
- Review and award learners Sub/Unsub, Pell, GradPLUS, Tuition Assistant for WFE, Discounts, FSEOG.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure accurate data sharing and timely disbursement of funds.
- Improved student satisfaction rates by addressing concerns promptly and offering solutions for each case.
- Evaluated learners FA requests and documents to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Consistently met or exceeded company targets for verification completion rates, contributing to the overall success of the team.
- Handle FA awarding procedures such as Identity Verification, DHS for the FlexPath and GuidedPath, SAP, COD Rejects, NSLDS overpayments, Reaffirmation forms etc.
- Prioritized workload efficiently, managing multiple cases simultaneously without compromising on quality or accuracy.
- Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
FA Verification Specialist
Strayer University
03.2018 - 08.2021
- Review V1, V4, V5 Verification Form for Strayer University and Capella University
- Inbound and outbound call to learners
- Review IRS tax forms required for Verification
- Handle SF cases
- Consistently met targets for verification completion rates, contributing to the overall success of the team.
- Internal and external emails
- Prioritized workload efficiently, managing multiple cases simultaneously without compromising on quality or accuracy.
- Adapting to new procedures and system conversion
- Reduced errors in documentation by thoroughly cross-checking data against established parameters.
- Verified learners information by analyzing existing information on file.
Student Financial Aid Advisor
Strayer University
12.2016 - 03.2018
- Provide financial aid assistant to enrolled and prospective learners.
- Respond to learners via email/phone calls within SLA.
- Run and mange reports.
- All SFS knowledge
- Assist learners in securing funding for their education through comprehensive FA research and application guidance.
- Problem solve issues and provide solutions for the learners.
- Inbound and Outbound calls.
- Provided exceptional customer service to students, parents, faculty, and staff seeking assistance with financial aid matters.
Assistant Day Care Director/ Program Counselor
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington
05.2011 - 12.2017
- Managed a team up to 20 counselors.
- Supervised and coached team members on proper procedures and care standards.
- Handle customer/children escalations as needed.
- Overlook the children's recreational and educational activities during the time they are entrusted to us at the Boys and Girls Club.
- Responsible for telephone inquiries, providing quality service to parents.
- Managed parent drop offs and staff schedules.
- Coordinate Summer Camp and the logistics with vendors and venues.
- Coordinate activities for club members and day care participants.
- Manage sportsmanship and classroom behavior through redirection and positive reinforcement.
- Facilitate small group interactions including reading, studying and recreational activities.
- Director of Power Hour educational sessions.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed consistently by all personnel involved in providing direct patient care or support services.
Server/Bartender
Red Lobster
06.2013 - 01.2017
- Ensure all guests have an excellent experience and are satisfied with their service
- Train new servers on menu knowledge and steps of quality service
- Serviced multiple patrons simultaneously with full-course meals in a high-volume, fine dining atmosphere
- Maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and patrons while consistently demonstrating wine/beverage etiquette
- Performed heavy lifting and manual labor, including loading and unloading food trucks (Delivery days), and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Host
Red Lobster
07.2011 - 06.2013
- Greet guest determine logistics of seating arrangements and server designations
- Execute seat rotation
- Managed call ahead and wait lists.
Education
Associates in Business Administration -
Northern Virginia Community College
Skills
- Superior with customer service etiquette
- Bilingual- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Well-honed communication skills and team management
- Excellent problem-solving skills: able to identify problems and implement a solution
- Learning to adapt into new roles and new procedure
- Microsoft Office
- Loan Processing
- Learner Assistance
- Eligibility Verification
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Timeline
Financial Aid Administrator Advisor
Capella University
08.2021 - Current
FA Verification Specialist
Strayer University
03.2018 - 08.2021
Student Financial Aid Advisor
Strayer University
12.2016 - 03.2018
Server/Bartender
Red Lobster
06.2013 - 01.2017
Host
Red Lobster
07.2011 - 06.2013
Assistant Day Care Director/ Program Counselor
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington
05.2011 - 12.2017
Associates in Business Administration -
Northern Virginia Community College
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