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Hiram College invites applicants to apply for the position of Student Financial Services Specialist in the Student Financial Services Office.
Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds 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 through Online@Hiram.
Hiram College is committed to building an inclusive and vibrant educational environment and the student population is diverse in many ways, including economic background, ethnic heritage, and educational interests.
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, but are not limited to, the following*:
• 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:
o analyzing financial aid applications
o performing verification and need analysis
o determining financial aid awards according to federal and state regulations, institutional policies, procedures, and guidelines
o performing professional judgment
o Evaluate account balances and assist with payment resolution
o 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:
o Oversight of the College’s Federal Work-Study program
o Coordination of the processing of state grants
o Coordination of overall file management
o 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
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment
• Ability to multitask and manage high volume of activity
• Proven attention to detail
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Aptitude to learn computer software
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required, though financial aid experience may be substituted.
• 2-3 years’ experience in a college/university customer service environment, preferably in the financial aid or student accounts office
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online meeting software
• Experience with an integrated information system, Ellucian Banner preferred.
Application Process
Apply directly through the College website at http://hiram.edu/careers-at-hiram/
Please include a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references with email addresses and phone numbers in Word or .pdf format. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.