Financial Aid Specialist

University of Arkansas System • Grantham, NH

6d • Remote

About The Position

The University of Arkansas Grantham is looking for a REMOTE Financial Aid Specialist in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, DE, FL, GA, KS, IA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI and WY. Please only apply if you are able to live and work full-time in one of the states listed above. State locations and specifics are subject to change as our hiring requirements shift.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Financial Aid Specialist (FAS) provides front-line support in the student funding process. This position works collaboratively with the Student Account Specialist to complete financial aid processing to meet service and quality expectations for students. This is a non-supervisory role.

Requirements

• Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and by telephone) and in writing.
• Experience using financial aid software (e.g., a Student Information System, NSLDS, COD, VAOnce and EdConnect)
• Must demonstrate strong analytical skills as well as professional phone and customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to read, analyze, and interpret common journals and legal documents.
• Able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Able to effectively present information to executive management, faculty, staff, and/or students.
• Able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to present facts to faculty for departmental response.
• Able to deal with a variety of information presented in oral or written formats.
• Able to deal with non-verbal behavior in assisting with problem resolution.
• Frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel (including the use of computer keyboards) and talk or hear (including the use of a telephone and computer).
• Occasionally required to walk, stand, and make presentations
• This position may involve sitting at a desk for extended periods of time
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and distance vision
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2+ years customer service experience
• Experience with the administration of Federal Student Aid, VA and TA funds preferred
• Experience working in a remote environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Advise students on various forms in the financial aid process including Federal financial aid.
• Counsel students to determine financial aid needs/options and explain students’ rights and responsibilities for each aid source
• Conduct outreach activities to assist students with completion and submission of required forms and documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations pertaining to student enrollment, Federal Student Aid, Veterans Administration and Department of Defense benefit eligibility
• Other duties as assigned
• Coordinate with Student Account Specialists to resolve conflicting information that may occur
• Coordinate with members of the Student Accounts Office to ensure proper and timely disbursements of funds to students
• Continuously update skills and knowledge through required training
• Seek feedback and opportunities for growth to enhance expertise and effectiveness

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 - 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level