Natalie Laura Chacon
San Jacinto,CA
Summary
Reliable Financial Aid Technician with solid experience in managing federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Strengths include exceptional knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures, strong interpersonal skills for efficient student counseling, and meticulous data management abilities. Demonstrated ability to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance in previous roles.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Technician II
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
San Jacinto, CA
11.2023 - Current
- Evaluate Special Circumstance, Satisfactory Academic Progress and Unusual circumstance appeals and apply sound judgement. Apply changes to student SAI using the Fafsa Partner Portal.
- Analyze financial data, family circumstances, household size and education goals when advising students of federal, state and district regulations and policies for determining eligibility.
- Advise students in resolving academic progress issues that may affect aid; Process financial aid appeals by reviewing and validating supporting documentation of extenuating circumstances; analyze student academic transcripts.
- Interpret students financial aid packaging and provide grant information.
- Monitor transactions for fraudulent activity; review third-party software applications and perform actions needed to process student refunds or determine eligibility for refunds.
- Perform computerized financial aid operations/functions; Complete verification of financial aid documents in compliance with federal regulations.
- Verify information on student ISIR's and FAFSA applications to complete their financial aid file; Assist with the processing of electronic funds transfer.
- Follow, interpret, and apply applicable sections of State Education Code, District policies and procedures, Federal and State regulations, and other applicable laws as related to student financial aid.
- Provide guidance to the public in the completion of financial aid applications and other financial aid related materials.
- Complete Loan Deferment forms, Verification of Aid, and outside agencies income verifications.
- Determine eligibility and prepare federal education; maintain records and assist, as needed, with program processing.
- Conduct presentations for small and large groups of students, parents and /or staff.
Financial Aid Technician l/Student Support Services Specialist
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
San Jacinto, CA
09.2022 - 11.2023
- Assist students with the completion of the FAFSA/CADAA; Resolve Financial Aid issues with students and parents.
- Interpret students financial aid packaging and provide grant information.
- Answer inquiries and concerns regarding State and Federal guidelines pertaining to financial aid programs.
- Perform calculations according to prescribed formulas for awards and grants information; Document scholarship received on student's behalf.
- Answer main phone line and respond to financial aid District email inquiries.
- Reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Handle multiple assignments simultaneously and set priorities based on program needs; Assist with financial aid outreach.
- Provide guidance to the public in the completion of financial aid applications and other financial aid related materials.
- Provide clerical support to one or more Financial Aid Programs such as Pell Grant, Federal Work Study, Loans, Scholarships, Refunds and Repayments.
Accounting Specialist
SOBOBA TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION
San Jacinto, CA
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Prepared monthly reports for Directors and Managers. Processed Tribal Member's payments for loans, rentals, and trips, etc.
- Prepared and complete weekly bank deposits quarterly. Issued credit cards, processed.
- Reconciled credit card statements, petty cash and vendor statements monthly.
- Processed journal entries ran detail trial balance reports.
- Obtained all required levels of approval signatures for check requests.
- Processed check-runs for several departments using fund accounting.
- Ordered all office supplies. Filed paid invoices, processed void checks.
- Verified time sheets to create invoices; Verified accounts payable coding and accounts for accuracy.
- Calculated and posted account payable transactions, processed invoices and verified financial data for use in maintaining accounts payable records.
- Provided other necessary clerical support to pay the obligations of the organization.
- Processed credit card expenses verified documentation coding; Verified vendor W9 information; resolved payment discrepancies.
- Protected the Tribes' value by keeping information confidential.
- Assisted with submittal of the annual 1099/1096 reports.
- Managed incoming requests from third-party vendors (Sale Tax Exemptions, Tribal W9, credit applications).
Lead Eligibility Technician
SOBOBA TRIBAL TANF PROGRAM
Riverside, CA
02.2017 - 09.2021
- Prepared monthly and weekly reports for Executive Director.
- Supervised and managed the Eligibility department and trained new staff; developed and conducted ongoing training for Eligibility staff as needed.
- Interpreted program regulations and other pertinent material to applicants, recipients, and the public.
- Contacted and interviewed applicants, recipients, individuals and representatives of business or government organizations for the purpose of verifying facts and/or resolving discrepancies pertinent to the correct determination of eligibility.
- Gathered reports to analyze data for case closures, approvals, support services and emergency services.
- Obtained pertinent information concerning such items as income, other financial resources, and financial obligations from applicants and recipients.
- Conducted personal interviews with participants to effectively draw valid conclusions in relation to overpayments/underpayments and/or fraud.
- Established the Eligibility Technician Department Procedures Manual and necessary instructional material and/or manuals required to implement ongoing changes in operational procedure. Originated and revised forms and logs for program use.
- Assisted in developing and reviewing departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with State and federal legislation, regulations, and directives.
- Conducted case audits monthly, and supportive, emergency services daily; Computed grant amounts authorized and performed similar required computations.
- Assisted with ongoing policy recommendations based on case study/case staffing.
- Established and maintained cooperative and effective working relationships with other Tribal TANF Programs and DPSS. Served as liaison to the other tribal TANF programs and Department of social Services to determine issues to do with duplication of aid as required.
- Conducted presentations to Department of Social Services staff and non-profit agencies.
Education
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
San Jacinto, CASkills
- Colleague/Ellucian
- Student Forms
- Microsoft Teams
- Outlook
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- C-IV (Calworks/Food Stamps Software)
- Federal Student Aid - FPP
- Financial Aid File Review
- NSLDS/COD
- MEDS
- Navision
- Cash Pro/1099 Pro
Areas Of Specialty
- Colleague/Ellucian
- Student Forms
- Microsoft Teams
- Outlook
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- C-IV (Calworks/Food Stamps Software)
- Federal Student Aid - FPP
- Financial Aid File Review
- NSLDS/COD
- MEDS
- Navision
- Cash Pro/1099 Pro
Timeline
Financial Aid Technician II
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
11.2023 - Current
Financial Aid Technician l/Student Support Services Specialist
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
09.2022 - 11.2023
Accounting Specialist
SOBOBA TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION
06.2021 - 09.2023
Lead Eligibility Technician
SOBOBA TRIBAL TANF PROGRAM
02.2017 - 09.2021
MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE