Leah Jiron-Widerburg
Tooele,UT
Summary
Organized and dependable Financial Aid Specialist successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Specialist, Packaging
WGU
02.2019 - Current
- Analyses financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and create awards within federal and institutional guidelines.
- Exercises judgment by adjusting or revising costs, contribution, need, or dependency status as exceptions to the prescribed process.
- Work directly with various University offices to resolve related processing and payment issues.
- Maintains current knowledge of federal and state regulations and University policies.
- Reviews NSLDS and COD loan information to assess aid eligibility.
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills providing appropriate and timely responses to students and staff.
- Participates in professional development and training activities as needed or required.
- Stay updated with federal, state, and institutional regulations pertaining to financial aid processing, and ensure adherence to these guidelines in all processing operations.
- Prioritize workload while being flexible to meet the daily expectations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Financial Aid Specialist, Student Services
WGU
08.2013 - 02.2019
- Provided customer service to internal and external parties via phone, chat, and emails.
- Provided information on aid programs to current and prospective students and advise students appropriately of the rights and responsibilities associated with receipt of Title IV funds.
- Reduced errors in financial aid documentation by meticulously reviewing and verifying submitted information.
- Represented financial aid office at group meetings with high school students and parents.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
Data Entry Clerk
Affiliated Computer Services
06.2006 - 05.2013
- Improved data accuracy by meticulously entering and updating patient information into electronic health records.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations through careful handling of confidential patient data during the entry process.
- Maintained accuracy in medical coding, resulting in reduced errors and improved billing processes.
- Updated and maintained customer information, documents and records.
- Followed data entry protocols, rules and regulations.
- Kept optimal quality levels to prevent critical errors and support team performance targets.
Financial Aid Specialist
Salt Lake Community College
01.1995 - 01.2001
- Assisted students at the counter; responds to questions from students, parents, and staff; provides information regarding financial aid programs including eligibility requirements and types of available assistance.
- Improved student satisfaction with financial aid services by promptly addressing concerns and offering personalized assistance.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new staff members to ensure a consistent understanding of policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Evaluated student appeals for reconsideration of their financial aid eligibility based on extenuating circumstances or special conditions.
- Communicated with prospective students to illustrate available financial aid opportunities.
- Reviewed initial financial aid applications for accuracy.
- Represented financial aid office at group meetings with high school students and parents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Granger High School
West Valley City, UTSkills
- Strong Communication
- Team Player
- Organized
- Adaptable
- Motivated
- Problem Solver
- Knowledge of Banner, SalesForce, and OnBase
- Experience with COD, CPS and NSLDS
Accomplishments
Cost of Attendance
Packaging & Notification of Awards
Campus-Based Programs
TEACH Grant
Application Process
Student Eligibility
Timeline
Financial Aid Specialist, Packaging
WGU
02.2019 - Current
Financial Aid Specialist, Student Services
WGU
08.2013 - 02.2019
Data Entry Clerk
Affiliated Computer Services
06.2006 - 05.2013
Financial Aid Specialist
Salt Lake Community College
01.1995 - 01.2001
High School Diploma -
Granger High School