Financial Aid Specialist (0081609)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist will be responsible for managing assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s) and serving as the primary resource person for these programs. This role involves developing and writing office policies and procedures, conducting training sessions for staff, and reconciling funds for assigned aid programs. The specialist will also assist the Director with compliance audits and fiscal reports, and participate in the development of the office operations manual and awarding procedures to ensure compliance with regulations. Key responsibilities include evaluating student financial aid applications, reviewing student award offers based on new information, and validating income and asset information for the Federal Verification Process. Additionally, the role requires providing financial aid counseling and advising to students, addressing student needs through professional judgment, and guiding university departments on aid policies. The specialist will also plan and conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling, advise student employees, coordinate with university departments, and collaborate on consumer documents and outreach activities. Professional development and tactful interaction with others are also essential.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts, social sciences, business, or related field.
3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience providing financial aid services in a post-secondary setting.
At least one year of experience working with Ellucian Banner financial aid module forms and processes.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in financial aid counseling/advising.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and theories associated with financial aid counseling/advising.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems through creative reasoning and logic.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and by preparation of reports.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders, members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
Considerable knowledge of the techniques and procedures involved with financial aid counseling/advising, including the ability to effectively handle complaints.
Considerable knowledge of programs and practices of student financial aid processes and their purposes and functions typical of an institution of higher education.
Thorough knowledge of the Ellucian Banner Student Information system financial aid module forms and processes.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of student services programs.
Knowledge and understanding of non-institutional resources for postsecondary education.
Knowledge and understanding of University of Hawaii policies and procedures, both at Manoa and the University of Hawaii system.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s).
Serve as the primary resource person for assigned Aid Program(s).
Develop and write office policies and procedures for assigned aid programs, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Conduct formal and informal training sessions for professional staff on assigned Aid Programs policies and regulations.
Responsible for semester and year ending reconciliation of funds for assigned Aid Programs.
Assist the Director in responding to inquiries for the annual compliance audit and Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP).
Participate in the development of the office operations manual and awarding/packing procedures.
Evaluate student financial aid applications for awarding Federal/State/Institutional aid, including eligibility for need/non-need based aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and Special Circumstances.
Review student award offers as new information is received (e.g., Petitions for Special Circumstances, non-University resources, Departmental Scholarships, Tuition Waivers, Third Party Payments).
Validate student (and parent, if dependent) income and asset information to complete the Federal Verification Process.
Provide financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students.
Address students' needs through professional judgment within the guidelines of Federal regulations.
Provide guidance to University departments on Federal/State/Institutional aid policies and regulations.
Respond to student inquiries in a professional, clear, and articulate manner.
Plan, schedule, and conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions.
Advise student employees on assigned aid programs regarding changes in regulations and office procedures.
Coordinate with and advise University departments/officials on aid regulations and policies.
Collaborate in the development of consumer documents (brochures, flyers, publications).
Participate in joint efforts with University departments for high school and community visitations to provide financial aid information.
Support outreach activities, presentations, and webinars to educate students and families about financial aid.
Plan, schedule, and conduct financial aid workshops.
Pursue professional development activities.
Deal tactfully but firmly with others.
Contact federal officials for interpretation of regulations or clarification of unusual circumstances.
Address student issues and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Identify recurring questions and concerns and develop effective solutions and resources.
Other duties as assigned.