Financial Aid Specialist (0097543)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for the management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s). This role involves working closely with the primary resource person for the assigned Aid Program(s), developing and writing office policies and procedures to effectively and equitably administer assigned Aid Program(s) ensuring compliance with applicable Federal/State/Institutional regulations, and assisting with annual reviews and revisions. The specialist will also be responsible for developing formal and informal training sessions for professional and student assistants on assigned duties and/or Aid Programs policies and regulations, and providing training sessions as needed. Additionally, this role includes semester and year-end reconciliation of funds, assisting the Director in responding to inquiries for annual compliance audits (FISAP and AOR), and aiding in the development of the office operations manual and awarding/packaging procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. The specialist will evaluate student financial aid applications, award Federal/State/Institutional aid, review student award offers, and learn the disposition of petitions for special circumstances, non-University resources, departmental tuition waivers, and third-party payments. A key responsibility is validating student income and asset information for the Federal Verification Process. The role also involves providing financial aid counseling and advising to students, assisting with professional judgment within Federal guidelines, and advising University departments on aid policies and regulations. Responding to student inquiries professionally, conducting student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions, and instructing assistants on regulatory changes are also part of the duties. Coordination with University departments such as Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, and Housing is required. The specialist will assist in developing consumer documents and participate in outreach efforts like high school and community visitations to provide financial aid information. Financial aid workshops will be planned and conducted as requested. Professional development activities are required to stay current with aid regulations and for personal growth. The role requires learning specific techniques for effective and empathetic interaction with applicants and dealing tactfully but firmly with others. Other duties as assigned are also part of the responsibilities.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in arts, social sciences, arts and humanities, science, education, business, or related area and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for financial aid services; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of customer/student services and/or administrative services.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with customer/student services and/or administrative services.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the customer/student services and/or administrative services.
Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and organize records.
Ability to learn and apply specific policies, procedures, and techniques needed to effectively perform all assigned tasks.
Ability to answer inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner through verbal communications and/or written correspondence.
Experience in providing quality customer service.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of UHM and its policies and procedures.
Knowledge of student information system utilized by UHM.
Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s).
Developing and writing office policies and procedures for assigned Aid Program(s) ensuring compliance with regulations.
Developing and conducting training sessions for professional and student assistants on assigned duties and Aid Programs policies and regulations.
Semester and year-end reconciliation of funds.
Assisting the Director in responding to inquiries for annual compliance audits (FISAP and AOR).
Assisting in the development of the office operations manual.
Assisting in the development of office awarding/packaging procedures to ensure compliance with Federal/State/Institutional regulations.
Evaluating student financial aid applications and awarding Federal/State/Institutional aid.
Reviewing student award offers as new information is received.
Learning the disposition of Petitions for Special Circumstances, non-University resources, Departmental Tuition Waivers and Third Party Payments.
Validating student (and parent, if dependent) income and asset information to complete the Federal Verification Process.
Providing financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students.
Assisting with providing professional judgment within the guidelines of Federal regulations.
Assisting University departments with Federal/State/Institutional aid policies and regulations.
Responding to student inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner.
Planning, scheduling and conducting student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions.
Instructing professional and student assistants on assigned Aid Program(s)/duties regarding changes in regulations, requirements, and office activities.
Coordinating with and advising University departments/officials on aid regulations and policies.
Assisting in the development of consumer documents (brochures, flyers, publications) in various formats.
Participating in joint efforts with University departments for high school and community visitations to provide financial aid information.
Planning, scheduling and conducting financial aid workshops.
Pursuing professional development activities as required by changes in aid regulations and for personal development.
Learning specific techniques needed to operate effectively and with empathy to all financial aid applicants.
Dealing tactfully but firmly with others.
Performing other duties as assigned.