Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number: 0097543

Hiring Unit: Financial Aid Services

Location: Manoa

Closing Date: August 19, 2026

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information: PBA, minimum $4,627/month

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s). Work closely with the primary resource person for the assigned Aid Program(s).
• Responsible for developing and writing office policies and procedures to effectively and equitably administer assigned Aid Program(s) ensuring compliance with applicable Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Assist with annual review and revisions.
• Responsible for the development of formal and informal training sessions for professional and student assistants on assigned duties and/or Aid Programs policies and regulations. Provide training sessions as needed.
• Responsible for semester and year ending reconciliation of funds.
• Provide assistance to the Director in responding to inquiries for the annual compliance audit, FISAP and AOR, as 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 ensure that all aid programs are awarded in accordance with 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 and etc.
• Responsible for review of student award offer as new information is received. Learn the disposition of: Petitions for Special Circumstances, non-University resources, Departmental Tuition Waivers and Third Party Payments, etc.
• Validate 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 regarding the application process, available sources and types of financial aid, and the 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 financial aid and 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 and student assistants on assigned Aid Program(s)/duties about any changes in regulations that affect office procedures, the purpose of requirements and office activities.
• Coordinate with and advise University departments/officials on aid regulations and policies. Offices to include Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, Housing, and other departments as necessary.
• Assist in the development of consumer documents, such as brochures, flyers and financial aid publications 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 and high schools within the State, and University departments.
• Pursue professional development activities (e.g., Federal Training, PacFAA Workshops) as required by changes in aid regulations and for personal development.
• Required to learn specific techniques needed to operate effectively and with empathy to all financial aid applicants.
• Required to deal tactfully but firmly with others.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in arts, social sciences, arts and humanities, science, education, business, or related area and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for financial aid 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 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. Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and organize records.
9. Ability to learn and apply specific policies, procedures, and techniques needed to effectively perform all assigned tasks.
10. Ability to answer inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner through verbal communications and/or written correspondence.
11. Experience in providing quality customer service.

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.