Financial Aid Specialist 1

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.

About the role

The Financial Aid Specialist is part of the Student Support team and provides customer service to assist students, their families, and the campus community with all aspects of the financial aid process. This position provides direct customer service by assisting students and parents with financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies. Additionally, Financial Aid Specialists contribute to prospective and new student efforts as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions’ recruitment season and provide limited administrative support and coordination for the office’s customer service strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide information in person, by phone, chat, and email concerning student financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies.
• Serve as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions’ recruitment season to support prospective and new students.
• Provide limited administrative support and coordination for the office’s customer service strategy.

Requirements

• 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.
• At least one year of customer service experience.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers with 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, as well as 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).
• Two years of customer service experience in a financial aid office, non-profit agency, or related venue serving students and applying appropriate rules and regulations.
• Student-centered customer service perspective.
• Knowledge of current federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner or other financial aid management system (FAMS).
• Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and 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.

Key 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.

Pay

The starting hourly salary for this position is $18.06 to $20.19 and may be negotiated dependent upon experience, skills, knowledge, market parity, and internal equity.

Schedule

20 hours per week between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM; schedule to be determined.

Benefits

• 95% premium-paid healthcare.
• Generous retirement and vacation package.
• Reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

For more details, visit the PSU Benefits Overview or use the PSU Total Compensation Calculator.