Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Assist in the management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s). Work closely with the primary resource person for the assigned Aid Program(s).

Assist with the development and writing of office policies and procedures to effectively and equitably administer assigned aid programs learning compliance and applicable Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Assist with annual review and revisions.

Assist with the development of formal and informal training sessions for professional and student employees on assigned Aid Programs policies and regulations.

Assist with semester and year ending reconciliation of funds for assigned Aid Programs.

Provide assistance to the Director in responding to inquiries for the annual compliance audit and Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), as it applies to assigned aid programs.

Assist in the development of office operations manual. Assist with annual review and revision.

Assist in the development of office awarding/packaging procedures to insure that all aid programs are awarded in accordance to Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Review annually as needed.

Assist in evaluating student financial aid applications and awarding of Federal/State/Institutional aid. Items such as eligibility for need/non-need based aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Special Circumstances, etc.

Responsible for the review of student award offer as new information is received. Learning the disposition of Petitions for Special Circumstances; non-University resources, Departmental Tuition Waivers, Third Party Payments, etc.

Responsible for the validation of student (and parent, if dependent) income and asset information to complete the Federal Verification process, as required.

Assist with providing financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students in regards to applying for financial aid, available sources/types of financial aid, and assist in completion of required forms and applications.

Assist with addressing students' needs through professional judgment within the guidelines of federal regulations.

Assist University departments with Federal/State/Institutional aid policies and regulations as to the awarding of scholarships.

Respond to student inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner through written or verbal communications.

Plan, schedule and conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions.

Based on specific procedures and training, instruct professional staff members and student employees on assigned aid programs about any changes in regulations that affect office procedures, the purpose of requirements and office activities.

Instruct/assist clerical staff in developing priorities for daily activities to achieve optimal management of program accounts.

Coordinate with and advise university departments/officials on aid regulations and policies. Offices to include Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, Housing, Dean of Students, and other departments as necessary.

Assist in the development of consumer documents, such as brochures, flyers and financial aid publication both paper, electronic, and other formats.

Participate in joint efforts with University departments for high school and community visitations within the state to provide financial aid information to prospective students and their parents.

Plan, schedule and conduct financial aid workshops when asked by community, high schools within State, and University departments.

Pursue professional development activities (eg. Federal Training, PacFAA Workshops) as required by changes in aid regulations and for personal development.

Learn specific techniques required to operate effectively and with empathy to all financial aid applicants.

Deal tactfully but firmly with others.

Establish, organize and maintain files for each student who applies for financial aid.

Other duties as assigned

**Denotes essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts, social science, arts and science, education, business, or related field and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities in financial aid processing, advising, customer/student services and/or administrative services; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of customer/student services and/or administrative services demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
3. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with customer/student services and/or administrative services.
4. Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the areas of customer/student services and/or administrative services.
5. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
8. Ability to answer inquiries in a professional and articulate manner through oral communications and/or written correspondence.
9. Experience in providing quality customer services.
10. Demonstrated ability to establish, organize, and maintain records.
11. Ability to learn and apply specific policies, procedures, and techniques needed to effectively perform all assigned tasks.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Knowledge of UHM and its policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of student information system utilized by UHM.
3. Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, policies and procedures.