Student Services Specialist

Provides assistance and information to students and parents regarding financial aid, billing and general information.

Major Duties

* Advises students on University, state and federal regulations and guidelines, financial aid program rules, student account balances, payment options and general registration issues. Explains financial aid process from submission to disbursement including, processing, verification, regulations and requirements.

* Explains billing processes and information including, refund processes and payment plan options. Answers questions about invoice charges. Contacts students regarding past due and financial aid possibilities that exist to reduce semester balances.

* Processes student account payments. Applies transactions as requested, including deposits for future balances. Balances cash and check payments received daily ensuring no variances and creates deposit for bank processing. Contacts students regarding returned refund checks.

* Schedules student appointments for financial aid counselors. Prepares financial aid counselors by providing the date, time, contact information and student issues. Communicates delays in financial aid to management staff to correct system errors or delays.

* Processes and determines qualifications for short-term loans during student emergency situations including, possible eviction or energy shut-off notices. Processes short-term loans requested and awarded by other departments.

* Completes financial aid verification and scholarship forms using current year awards and tuition charges. Sends completed form to requesting organization and copy internal imaging system to update student's records.

* May provide additional assistance to phone bank during busy and seasonal peak times or when phone bank is short-staffed.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* One year's relevant experience.

* Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

* Experience administering federal financial aid, billing or cashiering.

* Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines.

* Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to a variety of financial situations.

* Customer service experience.

* Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.

Desired Qualifications Special Instructions to Applicants

* External applicants should use the WMU Application.

* Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information

* Finalist may be required to successfully complete skills assessments.

* Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-staff

* Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: /staffcompensation

Physical requirements and working conditions

* Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

* Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with minimal exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.