Financial Aid Specialist

Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist* Division/Department: * Financial Aid

Location: Main Campus Department #: 320

Position Number: 207 Reports to: Director of Financial Aid

Grade: 4 Position Type: Full-time FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours worked Per Week: Approximately 40

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position reviews, analyzes, reconciles and determines the award of financial aid fund to students. Also will clarify federal, state and institutional rules, regulations, statues, procedures and policies to advise students and others. The Financial Aid Specialist involves specialized capabilities and knowledge in the administration of financial aid in one or more of several federal and/or state programs areas, including but not limited to grants, loans, work, study, student eligibility and return to Title IV.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise, counsel, and inform students, parents and the MACU community about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, applications process and financial literacy.
• Carefully adhere to all department policies and procedures as translated from institutional, state and federal guidelines and regulations, including FERPA, and participate in professional development on a continual basis to stay compliant.
• Work with admissions and athletics providing preliminary award information; ensuring the awards are within budget guidelines.
• Complete paying for college appointments with each student to ensure the student understands the aid and the bill.
• Assist students with the accurate completion of financial aid application documents and evaluate application supporting documentation.
• Meet with students to resolve issues and discrepancies or make revisions in awards based on established criteria and guidelines.
• Discuss a variety of sensitive and confidential information with students and others as appropriate including parent and MACU employees.
• Review, understand and apply department policies and procedures translated from complex regulations and policies governing all Title IV financial assistance and program administered by the state and federal government.
• Use independent, professional judgement to review and analyze varied documents often of a highly sensitive and confidential nature to make decisions regarding appeals, overrides and eligibility based on an understanding of federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Research and resolve programs including recommendations of appropriate solutions, corrective actions, and adjustments as needed for resolution
• Communicate tactfully while exercising extreme diplomacy, empathy and compassion when dealing with sensitive information, challenging situations, difficult and sometimes disgruntled individuals. Use appropriate strategies to diffuse tense situations and recognize when to make referrals to avoid escalation.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.
• Attend and present to prospective and/or current students and parents during Evangel events and enrollment days.
• Engage with the student community at campus events.
• May supervise the work of others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience/understanding of one or more of the following areas: higher education, student services, financial aid or accounting.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to communicate effectively; be team orientation; excellent relationship and time management and organization skills. Knowledge of government and/or institutional rules, regulations, and guidelines, and procedures for financial aid.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Type: Full-time