Student Financial Services Specialist

Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online.

The Student Financial Services (SFS) Specialist is part of a highly motivated one-stop financial team that provides first class student-focused support, assisting and advising students and families through the financial aid and payment processes to ensure timely processing of financial aid and payment. The SFS Specialist will have a solid understanding of billing and financial aid policies and procedures, as well as the ability to explain these policies and procedures to students, prospective students, and their families. The SFS Specialist uses independent analysis and analytical abilities to respond to student inquires, identify problems, and recommend resolution while ensuring compliance with federal, state and institutional policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Counsel prospective, admitted, and current students regarding all financial matters utilizing individual appointments, workshops, web tools, email, social media, and telephone to disseminate accurate and clear information while counseling, advising and directly supporting students and their families

• Complete management of student caseload which includes, but is not limited to:

• analyzing financial aid applications

• performing verification and need analysis

• determining financial aid awards according to federal and state regulations, institutional policies, procedures, and guidelines

• performing professional judgement

• Evaluate account balances and assist with payment resolution

• Assist students with payment arrangements, including setting up payment plans and deferments

• Maintain a current working knowledge of financial aid, VA Benefits, billing and payment options, as well as Housing, Admissions, Academic Advising and Registrar processes and how they relate to the students' finances to accurately advise them.

• Assist with outreach activities, which may not fall within normal business hours, that includes conducting presentations and workshops on all aspects of student financial services

• Programmatic responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversight of the College's Federal Work-Study program

• Coordination of the processing of state grants

• Coordination of overall file management

• Oversight of the student loan programs

• Ensuring institutional policies related to position and Banner procedures are up-to-date in the office policy manual

• Serves as a liaison to other departments across the college

• Performs other duties as assigned.

2-3 years' experience in a college/university environment, preferably in the financial aid or student accounts office, or other customer service-related field. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online meeting software. Experience with an integrated information system, Ellucian Banner preferred. Education Bachelor's degree required, though financial aid experience may be substitute.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply below. Please send a letter of application, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Hiram College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Excellence through Diversity!

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