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FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST

Employer
Spartanburg Methodist College
Location
Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Specialist is involved in all aspects of financial aid administration, including but not limited to counseling of online students and families, need analysis, processing of applications, verification, and packaging federal, state, and institutional aid. Primary contact for all SMC Online degree students. Must possess a working knowledge of financial aid regulations and industry practices, particularly regarding federal and state programs. Must be proficient in Excel to do monthly aid reconciliation and reporting. Required to do the job well and with enthusiasm while working individually or as part of the enrollment team. A commitment to excellence is expected.

 

Major Areas of Responsibility:

  • Provides financial aid guidance to prospective and enrolled online students regarding program eligibility criteria, application procedures, aid programs, educational costs.
  • Assists with the completion of all financial aid paperwork.
  • Educates students on their rights and responsibilities when borrowing through a federal loan program.
  • Packages financial aid awards for all students, in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
  • Reviews financial aid applications and performs federal verification.
  • Processes documents needed to complete student financial aid files, tracks submission of materials and notifies students of missing documentation.
  • Prepares and send exit interview materials to graduating students.
  • Ensures that financial aid awards are timely and accurate.
  • Provides timely and accurate responses to phone and online inquiries from students.
  • Participates in annual training and maintains memberships in professional organizations.
  • Performs federal and state aid reconciliation, analysis, and reporting
  • Assists with financial aid communication plan for all students
  • Other duties as assigned

Organizational Responsibilities:

The Financial Aid Specialist reports to and is supervised by the Director of Financial Aid & Enrollment Services.

 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and efficiency in recordkeeping.
  • Ability to work well with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish positive working relationships with members of the college community and members of the public.
  • Ability to work independently to perform assigned tasks.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel
  • Preferred experience with Ellucian Colleague and/or Technolutions Slate
  • Preferred experience with Department of Education software and sites such as EDconnect, COD, FAA Access to CPS online and NSLDS.
  • Willingness to work evening hours and weekends as needed.

 

Working Conditions:

The work is normally performed in an office environment which, at times, will require significant contact with students and family members. The work may include occasional public presentations both on and off campus.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.
  • Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer display screen, in hand-written form, and printed on paper.
  • Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

 

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • SQL or other database knowledge is preferred.
  • Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education is preferred.

 

FLSA:
Exempt

Organization

Working at Spartanburg Methodist College

Spartanburg Methodist College, founded in 1911, is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population (38% first generation, 52% minority, 59% Pell) within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Learn more on Spartanburg Methodist College’s website

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