Position Summary:
Implements and leads specific program responsibilities that support the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office. The position manages, directs and coordinates all aspects of determining financial aid offers to students enrolled in Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs. In addition, the program specialist reviews the incoming electronic documents for completeness before uploading them into the OnBase portal for file review; assist students with correcting their financial aid applications through the federal FSA Portal website; and works to resolve discrepancies with student refunds through the Bank Mobile platform. The program specialist also assesses student needs and provides recommendations and solutions that provide a way for students to regain financial aid eligibility, or to overcome obstacles related to application requirements. The use of professional judgement based on the assessment of student need and individual circumstances, and as defined and allowed under federal and state guidelines, is required for this position. Provide consultation and direct customer service to students, staff, and faculty. Communicate detailed financial aid and program information to internal and external customers. This position reports to the Manager of Compliance/Training Financial Aid Services.
Essential Functions
Analyze, understand and independently articulate general program eligibility requirements (Interpret and determine need requirements, various grant criteria, federal direct loans, work-study and satisfactory academic progress), the application process, status and timelines.
Using professional judgment, analyze, review and evaluate financial aid applications.
Determine eligibility for federal and state funding. Analyze and evaluate files by applying extensive knowledge of regulations for determining eligibility and need based on application data, federal database matches and academic progress requirements.
Process financial aid files and make offers to students for federal and state financial aid, including federal Pell grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, federal Direct Loans, Washington College Grant, Washington College Bound Scholarship, Scholarships and other need and non-need-based aid.
Prevent over-awards of financial aid by ensuring timely and accurate review of all aid types prior to awarding need-based or other financial resources.
Counsel students by providing excellent customer service, demonstrating empathy, listening attentively to questions and concerns, responding professionally to hostility, communicating clearly with native and non-native English speakers, and exercising professionalism and discretion in all communications and actions.
May assist with and/or manage loan processing, Pell/COD processing, office budget, satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processing, Work Study programs, Return of Title IV funds (R2T4), disbursements, specialized financial aid processing (Bachelor's, consortiums), Scholarships (Foundation, State and external), Work Force awards, Veterans office.
Provide consultation and directly assist students in resolving eligibility issues and application difficulties in all financial aid programs.
Maintain the confidentiality of student files and records per FERPA guidelines.
Support various office functions by providing direct assistance including answering phones, emails, and questions from walk-in students and the general public in an accurate and timely manner. Provide clear explanations of complex and technical information.
May review various types of appeals submitted by students, such as SAP (suspension/reinstatement), Maximum Time Frame, Income Revisions, and make necessary professional judgment decisions.
May conduct classroom visits and outreach events to educate students and the about financial aid and scholarship programs.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the team in achieving its service objectives.
Qualifications
Education to Experience Equivalences:
Associate's Degree = 2 years Bachelor's Degree = 4 years Master's Degree = 6 years
Duties of the position require knowledge, skills and abilities:
Detail oriented; innovative, accountable and poised in fast paced team-oriented environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
Ethics, integrity and sound professional judgment.
An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills.
Ability to be accurate, timely, and detail oriented.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with internal and external customers.
Maintain a high degree of honesty and protection of confidential and payroll rated data.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work flow with multiple high priority deadlines.
Duties of the position required experience:
Associates degree from accredited college or university.
Two years experience working in a financial aid office, working with student loan regulations, or related office experience.
-OR- Bachelor's degree and some financial aid office experience may substitute for the two years experience.
Intermediate experience with word processing, database, spreadsheets, email, and other related business software. (Microsoft Office preferred).
Required conditions of employment:
Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
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