Financial Aid Specialist

University of Oklahoma•Norman, OK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Office’s focus is to eliminate unnecessary barriers to college access and completion. Our goal is to simplify the financial aid process as much as possible, and to make sure students are always engaged and aware of the next step. Our office allows us to reach students earlier and more efficiently, to have important conversations with students about their individual situations and what needs to be done to help them persist and succeed. We need someone who exhibits: Integrity: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency, professionalism and thoughtfulness in communication. Care: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, welcoming, and approachable. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude. Intentionality: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management, OAR, and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner. Innovation: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority. Scope of Position/Essential Duties: Processes promissory notes for loans. Coordinates entrance and exit interview processes with students and campus colleges. Coordinates scholarship information. Responsible for various office and financial aid tasks. Performs routine to moderately complex job responsibilities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, AND:
24 months financial aid general office, clerical, or related experience.
Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to solve problems in a timely manner.
Customer Service.
Ability to be patient and handle issues in a professional manner.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Responsibilities

Updates system checklists to reflect receipt of documents.
Monitors entrance/exit online counseling.
Updates forms for use on websites and office e-files.
Communicates with students and Student Service Experts concerning additional documentation needed to continue financial aid processing.
Responsible for reviewing financial aid e-mails and responding to questions.
Sends out global e-mail messages to students and groups of students concerning various issues at Director's request.
Initiates verification process and subsequently reviews and completes verification of financial aid files.
Completes system updates with information submitted for verification and troubleshoots any discrepancies.
Reviews financial aid history within Department of Education databases.
Notifies counselors of financial aid awards so student records can be updated.
Verifies students' enrollment and accuracy of award.
Serves as subject matter expert in financial aid to support Student Service Experts serving student and families.