Financial Aid Program Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Import, review, and process Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) received through federal systems and institutional software platforms.
• Monitor daily federal data exchanges and ensure timely resolution of transmission errors, rejected records, comment codes, and conflicting information.
• Review and process FAFSA corrections, updates, and professional judgment adjustments as appropriate and in compliance with federal regulations.
• Evaluate student eligibility for federal financial aid programs and ensure accurate awarding and disbursement of funds (PELL, SEOG, Federal College Work Study, TEACH).
• Process federal direct loans, including reviewing and importing loan originations, entrance counseling, and Master Promissory Notes.
• Certify, process, monitor, and disburse private educational loans in accordance with institutional and lender requirements using the ScholarNet system.
• Review, revise, and reconcile federal and private loan records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor loan eligibility and ensure timely loan disbursement to student accounts.
• Counsel student and families regarding borrowing options, loan eligibility, repayment obligations, and responsible borrowing practices.
• Respond to inquiries through in-person appointments, telephone, email, and virtual meetings.
• Review student withdrawal activity and perform Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations.
• Coordinate with the Registrar, Student Affairs, the Business Office, and other campus offices to ensure timely and accurate processing of student withdrawals and federal aid adjustments.
• Conduct loan exit counseling for graduating, withdrawn, and less-than-half-time students.
• Review and respond to Borrower Defense claims.
• Serve as the primary administrator of the Perkins Loan liquidation activities using the UAS system.
• Participate in default prevention and loan management initiatives, including outreach to at-risk borrowers and implementation of strategies to reduce cohort default rates.
• Certify enrollment and report changes for students utilizing military related educational benefits.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations governing military education benefits.
• Coordinate benefit processing with appropriate federal and state agencies.
• Maintain records and reporting required for military-affiliated students.
• Review and evaluate student academic progress in accordance with institutional SAP policies and federal regulations.
• Process SAP evaluations and communicate results to students.
• Review SAP appeals and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting related to SAP determinations.
• Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid programs, borrowing options, repayment obligations, and financial literacy.
• Aid students in resolving financial aid issues and completing required documentation.
• Support enrollment and retention initiatives through proactive student outreach and counseling.
• Collaborate with campus partners to promote student success and financial wellness.
• Affirm compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accreditor regulations.
• Support the Director of Financial Aid with annual audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Maintain knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional regulations and implement operational changes as necessary to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.
• Participate in reconciliation activities and reporting requirements.

Core Values and Personal Attributes

• Models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.
• Demonstrates mental sharpness, capability, and agility.
• Gains insight from successes and mistakes.
• Sets and achieves goals.
• Encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
• Performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.
• Balances competing priorities.
• Brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience with managing confidential information with professional integrity.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and exercise sound judgement in accordance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform duties with a positive work ethic.
• Ability to work both independently as well as cooperatively in a team setting.
• Exceptional self-motivation, integrity, and creativity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and balance competing priorities.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with staff and all offices across campus to deliver high quality customer service.