Financial Aid Program Specialist II

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Awarding and Packaging
• Review student eligibility and prepare, package, and revise financial aid awards in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Monitor and review financial aid awarding processes for prospective, continuing, transfer, and graduate students.
• Review and adjust awards based on changes in enrollment, eligibility, funding availability, and regulatory requirements.
• Administer packaging for specialized programs such as Study Abroad, Summer term, and Nursing.
• Assist with development, testing, and implementation of annual awarding strategies and packaging models.
• Monitor awarding activity to ensure timely communication of financial aid offers to students and families.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus offices to support enrollment and retention initiatives.

• Verification and Student Eligibility
• Administer the federal verification process, including review of documentation, resolution of conflicting information, and determination of aid eligibility.
• Review FAFSA data and supporting documentation to determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Communicate with students and families regarding eligibility requirements, missing documentation, and financial aid processes.
• Review and process special circumstance, professional judgment, and dependency override requests in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate student records and supporting documentation in compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Aid students in resolving aid eligibility issues and completing required documentation.

• State, Institutional and Endowed Aid Administration
• Administer state grant programs and monitor student eligibility requirements.
• Cook up institutional grants and scholarships.
• Administer endowed scholarship selection and awarding processes in accordance with donor restrictions and institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting related to institutional, endowed, and state-funded aid programs.
• Administer annual scholarship and endowment review and awarding processes.

Student Financial Aid Counseling

• Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financial planning, and available funding resources.
• Provide guidance regarding special circumstances, appeals, and financial aid options.
• Support enrollment and retention initiatives through proactive outreach and counseling.
• Collaborate with campus partners to promote student success and financial wellness.

Compliance and Program Administration

• Aid in maintaining compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accreditor regulations.
• Support the Director of Financial Aid with audits, program reviews, compliance reporting, and reconciliation activities.
• Maintain knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional regulations and implement operational changes as necessary.
• Participate in assessment and continuous improvement of financial aid policies and procedures.

Professional Development

• Participate in professional development activities that enhance job performance and represent both the profession and the University in a positive manner.
• Participate in appropriate University committee and work group activities.