Financial Aid Specialist

Department Contact: Maria Hernandez, 575-646-7598, mgh1@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The University Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Department is seeking a dependable, highly motivated student centered individual with excellent customer services skills to join the Financial Aid Team.

Position Details

Position Title: Financial Aid Specialist

College/Division: Student Enrollment and Success

Department: 521040-UNIV FIN AID & SCHOLARSHIP SVCS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $16.83

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Financial Aid Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students, families, faculty, staff, and the public regarding financial aid and scholarship programs. This position provides exceptional customer service through in-person interactions, Teams communications, and email correspondence while assisting students throughout the financial aid process. The incumbent reviews, verifies, and processes financial aid documentation, ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and maintains the accuracy and integrity of student financial aid records.

Customer Service and Student Support
Provide outstanding customer service to prospective and current students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members through multiple service channels including front counter, Teams, and email. Answer inquiries regarding financial aid and scholarships. Counsel and advise students and families regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, award status, and required documentation. Research, investigate, and resolve student questions, concerns, and complex issues related to financial aid transactions and processes. Refer students to appropriate university departments or offices when specialized assistance is needed. Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of university programs, policies, procedures, resources, and student services.

Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities
Apply federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and procedures consistently and accurately. Maintain compliance with highly regulated financial aid programs and reporting requirements. Review student records to ensure proper application of laws, regulations, and eligibility requirements. Assist in identifying and correcting discrepancies within student records. Protect the confidentiality and integrity of student information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.

Communication, Training, and Reporting
Communicate application status updates and eligibility determinations to students and families. Participate in outreach activities, workshops, information sessions, and recruitment events as assigned.

Collaboration and Professional Development
Collaborate with university departments, home offices, and campus partners to ensure effective student service delivery. Participate in committees, conferences, meetings, and professional development activities. Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and best practices. Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and university goals.

Position Working Conditions
Frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. High-volume customer service environment requiring multitasking and attention to detail. Regular use of computer systems, student information systems, and office equipment.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
High School diploma or higher degree.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.