Financial Aid Specialist

McNeese State University invites applicants to apply for the position of Financial Aid Specialist in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. This is a full-time, 12–month, unclassified position. The appointment is available immediately.

Position Number:U99074

SALARY: $36,000

DEADLINE: Position open until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS: For the application process, applicants must complete an electronic application and upload required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Resume/Vitae
• Three Professional References (Include: name, phone number, and e-mail address)
• Unofficial Transcripts
  
  

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY, click on the “APPLY” button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR:

Katie Starling at kstarling@mcneese.edu

Office of Human Resources: Kim Dronett, HR Analyst, kdronett@mcneese.edu or (337) 475-5413

Responsibilities

The Financial Aid Specialist reports to the Assistant Director for Grants and works closely with all units within the division of Enrollment Management. Responsible for functions related to the processing of federal financial aid applications (FAFSA). Duties and responsibilities include:

• Acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of guidelines and eligibility requirements associated with all federal financial aid programs utilizing the Knowledge Center, participating in webinars, etc.
• Monitor NASFAA News and FSA Partner Connect website for updates such as electronic announcements, Dear Colleague Letters, etc.
• Review applications for accuracy of information and required documentation
• Verify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications in compliance with all federal regulations
• Verify the identity of student applicants when selected by the Department of Education (ED) either in person or by video conference
• Request appropriate documentation to verify data elements as required by federal regulations
• Review applications identified by specific comment codes or C-Codes which require resolution
• Process documents submitted by students, applying appropriate federal regulations
• Resolve all Conflicting Information
• Document and correct inaccurate data and recalculate eligibility
• Make complete and accurate notes in the system regarding all student contacts and actions taken
• Counsel current and prospective students and families concerning their application for financial assistance in person, by phone, and through electronic means
• Review and make an initial determination of Satisfactory Academic Progress for all transfer students
• Determine when an application is eligible and ready to be awarded
• Apply Professional Judgment in a fair and consistent manner in instances of special circumstances and unusual circumstances
• Review several daily reports in a timely manner with a high degree of accuracy
• Collaborate with University Computing Services to further refine processes and reports by requesting support through the Jira system
• Provide instructional and/or informational financial aid/FAFSA presentations sometimes outside of regular office hours
• Promote and support the University through participation in events outside of the typical workday such as Preview Days, Commitment Days, tabling events, etc.
• Represent McNeese State University, as well as The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at conferences (in person and virtual) and other meetings
• Comply with all office attendance and leave policies
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Friendly, cheerful disposition and positive attitude. Service-oriented and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner
• Elevated level of initiative and self-motivation
• Commitment to providing the highest-level quality service to a diverse group of individuals
• Proficient in MS Office, student information systems, social media, and educational related technologies; able to obtain information from reliable sources on the internet
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  
  

Preferred

• Demonstrated public relations speaking skills
• Experience working in higher education
• Experience with Ellucian Banner
  
  

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Krisshunn Youngblood, Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at (337) 475-5428 or kyoungblood@mcneese.edu.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-“Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees”-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver’s license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.www.ece.org.