Financial Aid Specialist

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist is part of the Student Support team and provides customer service to assist students, their families and the campus community with all aspects of the financial aid process. The purpose of this position is to provide direct customer service by assisting students and parents with all aspects of the financial aid process. Responsibilities include providing information in person, by phone, chat and through email concerning student financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies.

Additionally, Financial Aid Specialists contribute to prospective and new student efforts as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions’ recruitment season and provide limited administrative support and coordination for the office’s customer service strategy.

• Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR
• One year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Have at least one year of customer service experience.
• Have a basic knowledge of the use of personal computers with a functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation.
• Able to access Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems.
• Able to operate standard office machines such as copiers and scanners.
• Able to read, understand and retain federal and state rules and regulations.
• Able to read, understand and retain institutional policies and procedures.
• Able to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse student body in an empathetic manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Successful completion of a background check.

• Bilingual in English/Spanish: written and spoken.
• Have two (2) years of customer service experience in a financial aid office, non‑profit agency, or related venue serving students and applying appropriate rules and regulations.
• Have a student‑centered customer service perspective.
• Have knowledge of current federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.
• Have working knowledge of Ellucian Banner or other financial aid management system (FAMS).
• Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and time limits.
• Able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Able to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Able to read, understand and retain complex financial aid policies and regulations.
• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

20 hours per week between the hours of 9–5 pm; schedule to be determined.

The starting hourly salary for this position is $18.06 to $20.19 and may be negotiated dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare;

a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Background Check

Required:

Yes.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.