Student Services Specialist

East Carolina University•Greenville, SC

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About The Position

The Office of Student Financial Aid is to offer a comprehensive financial aid program that attempts to meet the financial needs of all university students, utilizing aid programs from all sources students are believed to be eligible, designing financial aid packages in ways which assist students in achieving a quality education and support their academic objectives. Further, to remain eligible to participate in all available funding sources by maintaining compliance and providing data to funding sources and campus partners. The Office of Student Financial Aid at East Carolina University is responsible for administering and processing all Federal, State and other financial aid programs for students enrolled at ECU.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Nice To Haves

Two years' experience in Financial Aid/Title IV aid administration.

Responsibilities

Counseling Duties: All professional staff have counselor duties.
The position will have direct contact with clients (students and parents, primarily) on an appointment and walk-in basis and over the phone. The position provides information about all student financial aid programs - program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc. In order to complete this responsibility, the position will use knowledge of the details of all students' financial aid programs, ranging from private/institutional scholarships to federal loan programs. The position discusses confidential financial data and other family circumstances with the client. It advises the client about its impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs. The position exercises "professional judgment" in individual student situations. In financial aid administration, this means that the position determines, after reviewing the student's situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outline in program regulations and that the student should be an "exception to the rule". The position, although not an academic advisor, is often in a situation of suggesting various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of financial aid.
Although the position is not directly responsible for activities in other areas of the University, it often offers advice about paying bills, housing, registering, applying for admissions, transferring to and from the University, career planning, etc. At times the position is also in a position of recommending that the client seek assistance through the University's counseling center or dean of students. The position makes decisions to award financial aid, or to approve a client as an "exception" can mean access to higher education for that individual.
In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, this position must project a sensitive and caring attitude. This position must recognize the impact of interaction with the student and/or parent in this situation can have on a college career and personal life. As part of the position's counseling activities, it may contact other university offices to seek advice for the student or serve as an advocate for the student. The position also contacts private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education for information or as an advocate for the student.
Position uses a thorough understanding of Federal and State student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures and communicates information clearly.
Position uses in-depth knowledge impact of external grants/scholarships/VA benefits and 529 program funding in order to collaborate with Student Accounts and the Third-Party Billing office on impact of external dollars on previously awarded aid. Further, position will adjust aid and notify students as needed.
As a part of "redistributing" previously awarded aid, position will advise students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies, and procedures at the university. Position may liaise with Cashier about the retraction and repayment of previously disbursed aid.
Position must understand the information that can or cannot be given under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and policies and procedures of the University, the Office of Financial Aid and the state of North Carolina. Position must be knowledgeable about Banner, the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), the Common Origination and Disbursement System and the National Student Loan Data System and how to navigate through each. This position must be knowledgeable of important dates and deadlines each semester to organize and prioritize their work.
Position will review documents (examples - not all inclusive: IRS forms, Social Security Administration documents, military leave and earnings statements, Veteran's Administration benefits letters, letters from students and/or parents, Federal Student Aid Reports, Parent Loan application/ promissory notes) that pertain to a student's financial aid application. Position will review for completeness and compare with information already contained on the student's financial aid Banner record. Confidentiality of these records is crucial to the operation of the Financial Aid Office and to this position. The position must understand the Federal and State regulations surrounding Financial Aid to determine if additional information is needed or if the file is complete to determine the award package. Position will be responsible for determining the award based on these guidelines.
In addition to individual counseling with clients, the position represents the University in outreach programs - open houses, financial aid nights at local high schools, etc. In this role, the position must provide information about financial aid programs and eligibility requirements to assist prospective students in successfully navigating the financial aid application process. It will answer questions from audiences. To do this, this position must retain a lot of detailed information about all student financial aid programs. It must thoroughly understand the programs, the need analysis system (the formula which establishes financial edibility for programs) and be able to explain in clear and concise language. This position must also project a positive image of the University and the office.