Financial Aid Specialist Sr. #497306

Job Summary:  Lamar University is looking for a personable, team player, with the ability to communicate complex financial information in an easy-to-understand manner for the Financial Aid Specialist Sr position. This is a rewarding position where customer service and problem-solving skills are needed to help students find effective solutions to fund their education. Benefits include health insurance and other benefits as an employee of the State of Texas. Tuition assistance is provided to employee, a spouse and/or eligible dependent children.

 Essential Job Functions:

·    Provides assistance and information to students via phone, emails, and in person in a professional and private manners

·    Advises students, faculty and staff about VA education benefits, Hazlewood Act benefits, financial aid eligibility, appropriate polices and available funding

·    Review and submit application waivers for active duty military and their dependents

·    Validate and maintain tuition assistance forms for accuracy and coordinate with Finance Office as necessary

·    Assists students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms; by advising them of their rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid; and by providing them with information about the status of their financial aid applications

·    Follows up with students concerning incomplete information; assists with students selected for verification

·    Completes data on award notifications by calculating student budgets to establish student’s cost of attendance to award grants, loans, and other financial aid

·    Uses judgment and problem-solving skills to assist in awarding students

·    Reports necessary information/changes via Department of Education information systems

·    Communicates effectively and consistently with pertinent internal department members from admissions, business cashiering and registrar, etc

·    Modifies packages based on enrollment changes, additional funding etc. while communicating those changes to students

·    Provides expertise in the process of financial aid verification as identified by the U.S. Department of Education to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid

·    Runs queries to identify students selected for verification and follows up accordingly

·    Reviews IRS tax data, Verification worksheets and any other requirement documents

·    Guides the student through the verification process, checking for consistency and accuracy, until verification is complete and financial aid is awarded

·    Maintain discretion of student’s personal information per FERPA and VA Privacy Act

·    Maintain professional appearance and provide excellent customer interactions

·    Assist in the university’s recruiting activities and special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, etc

·    Serve as primary point of contact for area military branches and recruiters for on campus events

·    Maintain adequate records to show progress of each veteran or eligible person

·    Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Student Financial Aid by performing all other duties as assigned

·    Bachelor’s Degree Required or equivalent work experience in higher education

·    Able to obtain and retain full access to NSLDS (National Student Loan Database System)

·    Proficient with computer software: Excel, Word, and Microsoft Outlook

·    Basic math and accounting skills

·    Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills

Official transcripts are required at the time of employment.

Lamar University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications (Education and Experience):

·    Knowledge of VA-Once data system or Hazlewood Reporting

·    Knowledge of Banner data system

·    Previous VA or Financial Aid Office experience

·    Proven excellent customer service 

·    Strive in a fast-paced environment

·    Demonstrate ability to independently locate, understand policies and procedures regarding veteran benefits and financial aid

·    Knowledge of academic, economic, social and cultural needs of military-connected students

·    Bilingual 

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary: $37,000

Job Posting Link: Lamar University | Financial Aid Specialist Sr. #497306