Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number: 0081609

Hiring Unit:
Financial Aid Services

Location:

Manoa

Closing Date:
August 31, 2026

Band: B

Salary: PBB, minimum $5,640/month

Full Time/Part Time:
Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent:
Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn specific techniques required to operate effectively and with empathy to all financial aid applicants.
• Responsible for the management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s). Serve as the primary resource person for the assigned Aid Program(s).
• Develop and write office policies and procedures to effectively and equitably administer assigned aid programs insuring compliance with applicable Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Review annually and revise as needed.
• Conduct formal and informal training sessions for professional staff on assigned Aid Programs policies and regulations. Training sessions provided as needed.
• Responsible for semester and year ending reconciliation of funds for assigned Aid Programs.
• Provide assistance to the Director in responding to inquiries for the annual compliance audit and Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), as it applies to assigned Aid Programs.
• Participate in the development of office operations manual. Assist with annual review and revision.
• Participate in the development of office awarding/packing procedures to insure that all aid programs are awarded in accordance to Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Review annually and revise as needed.
• Responsible for the evaluation of student financial aid applications in the awarding of Federal/State/Institutional aid. Items such as eligibility for need/non-need based aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Special Circumstances, etc.
• Responsible for the review of student award offer as new information is received. Information such as:
  Petitions for Special Circumstances, non-University resources, Departmental Scholarships and Tuition Waivers and Third Party Payments, etc.
• Responsible for the validation of student (and parent, if dependent) income and asset information to complete the Federal Verification Process, as required.
• Provide financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students in regards to applying for financial aid, available sources/types of financial aid, and assist in completion of required forms and applications.
• Responsible for addressing students' needs through professional judgment within the guidelines of Federal regulations.
• Provide guidance to University departments with Federal/State/Institutional aid policies and regulations as to the awarding of scholarships.
• Respond to student inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner through written or verbal communications.
• Plan, schedule and conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions.
• Advise student employees who work with Specialist on assigned aid programs about any changes in regulations that affect office procedures, the purpose of requirements and office activities.
• Coordinate with and advise University departments/officials on aid regulations and policies. Offices to include Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, Housing, Food Services, Dean of Student Services and other departments as necessary.
• Collaborate in the development of consumer documents, such as brochures, flyers and financial aid publications both paper, electronic and other formats.
• Participate in joint efforts with University departments for high school and community visitations within the state to provide financial aid information to prospective students and their parents.
• Support outreach activities, presentations, and webinars to educate students and their families about financial aid programs, requirements, and important deadlines.
• Plan, schedule and conduct financial aid workshops when asked by community and high schools within the State, and University departments.
• Pursue professional development activities (e.g., Federal Training, PacFAA Workshops) as required by changes in aid regulations and for personal development.
• Deal tactfully but firmly with others.
• Contact federal officials when appropriate for interpretation of regulations that may affect institutional policies, or for clarification of unusual circumstances that are not covered specifically in the federal regulations/handbook.
• Address student issues and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Identify recurring questions and concerns and develop effective solutions and resources to improve services and reduce common inquiries as the counselor on duty.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications