Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Purpose

The Financial Aid Specialist is part of a highly motivated financial aid team that provides first class student-focused support, assisting and advising students and families through the financial aid process to ensure timely processing of financial aid. The Financial Aid Specialist will have a solid understanding of financial aid policies and procedures, as well as the ability to explain these policies and procedures to students, prospective students, and their families. The Financial Aid Specialist uses independent analysis and analytical abilities to respond to student inquires, identify problems, and recommend resolution while ensuring compliance with federal, state and institutional policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Support prospective, admitted, and current students regarding all financial aid matters utilizing individual appointments, workshops, web tools, email, social media, and telephone to disseminate accurate and clear information while maintaining regulatory compliance and providing individualized guidance to students and families.

• Complete management of student caseload which includes, but is not limited to:

• Analyzing financial aid applications

• Performing verification and need analysis

• Review, verify and process financial aid documentation

• Determining financial aid offers according to federal and state regulations, institutional policies, procedures, and guidelines

• Performing professional judgement appeals for special and unusual circumstances

• Monitor satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and advise students on maintaining eligibility

• Assist with FAFSA and other aid applications

• Counsel students and families on aid programs, eligibility, application steps, and funding options

• Maintain a current working knowledge of financial aid, VA Benefits, billing and payment options, as well as Housing, Admissions, Academic Advising and Registrar processes and how they relate to the students' finances to accurately advise them.

• Assist with outreach activities, which may not fall within normal business hours, that include conducting presentations and workshops on all aspects of financial aid

• Programmatic responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversight of the College's Federal Work-Study program

• Coordination of the processing of state grants

• Coordination of overall file management

• Oversight of the student loan programs

• Oversight of institutional scholarship programs

• Ensuring institutional policies and procedures related to position are up-to-date in the office policy manual

• Serves as a liaison to other departments across the college

• Performs other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent oral and written communication

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment

• Ability to multitask and manage high volume of activity

• Proven attention to detail

• Ability to exercise sound judgment

• Aptitude to learn computer software

• Experience

• 2-3 years' experience in a college/university environment, preferably in the financial aid or student accounts office, or other customer service-related field

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online meeting software

• Experience with an integrated information system, Ellucian Banner preferred.

• Education

• Bachelor's degree required, though financial aid experience may be substituted.

Application Procedure: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references by clicking on the Apply Now link below or as a single document (PDF preferred) to HR@hiram.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Hiram College, established in 1850 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, is a nationally respected private residential liberal arts college located 30 miles from Cleveland in the historic Western Reserve region of Ohio. At Hiram, close student-faculty interaction and innovation is routine. The College's distinctive academic calendar, the Hiram Plan, offers students the opportunity each semester for a three-week intensive course, study abroad/away program, internship or research experience.

Hiram College is committed to building an inclusive and vibrant educational environment. Our student population is diverse in many ways, including economic background, ethnic heritage, and educational interests.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Hiram College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Excellence through Diversity.

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