Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

McNeese State University invites qualified applicants for the position of Financial Aid Specialist. This is a full-time, unclassified, 12-month position. The appointment is available immediately.

Position Number: U99011

Department: Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Salary: $36,000 (non-negotiable)

Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled.

Application Process and Materials: Applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload the required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application
• Resume
• Three References (names and contact information)
• Unofficial Transcripts

*Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful result of a criminal background check and receipt of official transcript(s) if applicable.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the "APPLY" button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Required application materials WILL NOT be accepted after the deadline, if applicable. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact the chair:

Katie Starling at View email address on click.appcast.io

Office of Human Resources:

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst/Recruitment

View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Position Duties/Responsibilities

The Financial Aid Specialist reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid and works closely with all units within the division of Enrollment Management. Responsible for functions related to office administration and document processing.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Scan and index student files and reports using Banner Document Management System (BDMS)/Application Xtender; supervise and maintain Document Imaging computer
• Implement process to retrieve, review and batch index forms to BDMS/Application Xtender software from Dynamic Forms
• Create and implement Dynamic Forms for all financial aid and scholarships forms; assist with the setting up of forms and adding to website
• Monitor, update, and maintain website for accurate information; alter and add new forms as needed, etc.
• Assist Student Central and students with questions regarding documents and other aspects of their files
• Maintain files in an accessible manner for the length of time required by federal regulations
• Maintain and update office P&P manuals as well as forms on an annual basis or as necessary throughout the year
• Retrieve and coordinate all outgoing and incoming mail for the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships; monitor and respond when necessary to office email account
• Coordinate, disseminate and/or archive all daily reports, and mail necessary letters to students when appropriate
• Review and electronically approve time sheets for student workers each pay period. Gather student worker work schedules and create a Master schedule for the office to use each semester.
• Coordinate all financial aid appeal processes, appeal history, investigating any issues for resolution, assisting with Deans' questions, etc.
• Oversee the Chaffee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
• Respond to requested information (statistics, cost of attendance, etc.) from various government and private agencies/companies
• Organize our office brochure development and presentation displays along with all necessary supplies
• Maintains office petty cash fund. Responsible for collections and disbursements of funds.
• Maintain daily, monthly and annual procedures related to all duties
• Coordinate all personnel emergency contact information with division secretary
• Coordinate all office purchases, travel forms, equipment inventory/maintenance
• Monitor NASFAA News and FSA Partner Connect website for updates such as electronic announcements, Dear Colleague Letters, etc.
• Make complete and accurate notes in the system regarding all student contacts and actions taken
• Promote and support the University through participation in events outside of the typical workday such as Preview Days, Commitment Days, tabling events, etc.
• Represent McNeese State University, as well as The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at conferences (in person and virtual) and other meetings
• Comply with all office attendance and leave policies
• Record and distribute weekly staff meeting minutes. (upon request)
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Financial Aid

Required/Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Friendly, cheerful disposition and positive attitude. Service-oriented and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner
• Elevated level of initiative and self-motivation
• Commitment to providing the highest-level quality service to a diverse group of individuals
• Proficient in MS Office, student information systems, social media, and education-related technologies; able to obtain information from reliable sources on the internet
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Database management experience, including proficiency in an SQL, report writing or query tools
• Strong technological skills
• Experience working in higher education
• Experience with Ellucian Banner
• An understanding of Federal Financial Aid programs

General University Information

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Krisshunn Youngblood, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: View phone number on click.appcast.io; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: View phone number on click.appcast.io; or View email address on click.appcast.io.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-"Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees"-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver's license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services ( or Educational Credential