Financial Aid Specialist 1

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State University is a public institution chartered by the State of Oregon and is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1946 as an extension school for GIs returning home after World War II, PSU is now Oregon’s only urban public research university encompassing 50 city blocks, nine schools and colleges, and offers over 200 degree programs. During the most recent academic year, 19,687 students were enrolled at PSU, including approximately 900 international students from 61 countries. PSU currently employs approximately 5,200 people, including 1,500 research and instructional faculty members. Our mission to “Let Knowledge Serve the City” reflects our dedication to finding creative, sustainable solutions to local and global problems. Our location in the heart of Portland, one of America’s most dynamic cities, gives our students unmatched access to career connections and an internationally acclaimed culture scene. “U.S. News & World Report” ranks us among the nation’s most innovative universities.

The School of Business is one of ten schools or colleges at PSU offering seven masters programs in addition to an undergraduate program.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service to assist students, their families and the campus community with all aspects of the financial aid process.
• Assists students and parents with all aspects of the financial aid process, including information in person, by phone, chat and through email concerning student financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies.
• Contributes to prospective and new student efforts as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions’ recruitment season.
• Provides limited administrative support and coordination for the office’s customer service strategy.

Requirements

• From Classification Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR One year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum Qualifications: Have at least one year of customer service experience. Have a basic knowledge of the use of personal computers with a functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation. Able to access Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems. Able to operate standard office machines such as copiers and scanners. Able to read, understand and retain federal and state rules and regulations. Able to read, understand and retain institutional policies and procedures. Able to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse student body in an empathetic manner, both verbally and in writing. Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish: written and spoken. Have two (2) years of customer service experience in a financial aid office, non-profit agency, or related venue serving students and applying appropriate rules and regulations. Have a student-centered customer service perspective. Have knowledge of current federal and state financial aid rules and regulations. Have working knowledge of Ellucian Banner or other financial aid management system (FAMS).
• Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and time limits. Able to work independently with minimal direction. Able to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Able to read, understand and retain complex financial aid policies and regulations.

Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences. Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds. Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

• Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

20 hours per week between the hours of 9-5pm; schedule to be determined

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting hourly salary for this position is $18.06 to $20.19 and may be negotiated dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview. Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator.

Application Instructions

Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.

Background Check Required

Yes

Additional Information

Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references. Background Check Required Yes If you have questions

Search Details Posting Close Date Application screening begins 07/23/2026 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * How did you first find out about this position?PSU WebsiteIndeed.comHERCJobsUrban League of PortlandHispanic Metropolitan ChamberOregon Employment DepartmentSocial MediaPerson ReferralCareer BuilderGlass DoorOther - Please describe in the next QuestionIf you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents Required Documents ResumeCover LetterProfessional References Optional Documents