Rita Ochoa
Edinburg,TX
Summary
Dynamic Financial Aid Officer with proven expertise in FAFSA processing and customer service at UTRGV. Successfully enhanced student satisfaction through effective counseling and streamlined financial aid procedures. Adept at problem-solving and collaboration, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial documentation while fostering a positive environment for students navigating their financial options.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Officer
UTRGV
Edinburg, Texas
11.2024 - Current
- Conducted FAFSA workshops to support students in navigating financial aid options.
- Reviewed documentation for compliance with established guidelines and processed financial aid files.
- Resolved student inquiries regarding financial aid procedures and statuses efficiently.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to improve communication and streamline processes.
- Advised students on eligibility requirements for various financial aid programs.
- Assisted with study abroad fair logistics and financial aid presentations.
- Audited student files to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
- Managed daily reporting for COA adjustments and special circumstances effectively.
Education finance specialist
Southern Careers Institute
07.2022 - 11.2024
- Counsel and advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, packaging policies, costs, billing processes, indebtedness, money management, and financial planning.
- Determine the amount of aid, considering such factors as funds available, extent of demand, and needs of students.
- Compare data on students' applications, such as the proposed budget, family income, or transcript of grades, with the eligibility requirements of the assistance program.
- Interview students to obtain the information needed to determine eligibility for aid.
- Review the FAFSA process with the student, maintain copies of applicable federal tax returns required to complete this process, and enter FAFSA data to complete the needs analysis and budget worksheet.
- Ensure 100% student satisfaction, and provide timely service during student appointments.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Legal Secretary
Fred Loya Insurance
Edinburg, USA
09.2020 - 05.2022
- To be an active team member of the legal team by providing high-quality professional administrative legal support to in-house counsel for the protection of the policyholders and the Company's legal interests.
- Keep cases organized by establishing and organizing files, and requesting files.
- Maintain and review the calendar, meet deadlines, document actions, input information into the file database software, and draft documents related to cases.
- Interface with clients, claims adjusters, court clerks, and/or court reporters.
- Review, document, and distribute mail/faxes.
- Draft legal documents, standard letters, collect, and analyze information, schedule depositions, mediations, hearings, and/or conducting electronic filing.
- Other duties as assigned by management or as needed.
Volunteer Supervisor
CASA of Willacy and Cameron County
Brownsville, USA
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Some of my roles in this position include, supervising volunteers, writing Court Reports and investigating.
Volunteer
CASA of Willacy and Cameron County
McAllen, USA
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Some of my responsibilities in this position is to organize and document reports, as well as be in constant contact with the family.
Education
Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Criminal justice
UTRGV
Edinburg, TX05.2021
Minor in Psychology - Psychology
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX05.2021
Skills
- Customer service and support
- Cash management and collections
- Law enforcement and legal research
- Cashiering and transactions
- Microsoft Office suite proficiency
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Case management expertise
- Behavioral health knowledge
- Leadership and team management
- Problem solving skills
- Upselling techniques
- Positive attitude and customer satisfaction
- FAFSA processing
- FAFSA guidelines
Languages
- English, Expert
- Spanish, Intermediate
Groups
Casa of Willacy and Cameron County, 08/01/20, 01/31/22, Casa advocates are responsible for advocating for children who are in the foster care system. We are responsible for interacting with the family to get insight on family life to determine what the best options for the children are.
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer
Timeline
Financial Aid Officer
UTRGV
11.2024 - Current
Education finance specialist
Southern Careers Institute
07.2022 - 11.2024
Legal Secretary
Fred Loya Insurance
09.2020 - 05.2022
Volunteer Supervisor
CASA of Willacy and Cameron County
08.2020 - 08.2021
Volunteer
CASA of Willacy and Cameron County
08.2020 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Criminal justice
UTRGV
Minor in Psychology - Psychology
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley