Student Services Specialist

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Student Services Specialist

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Position Class

13150

Position Overview

Position Summary

At Winston-Salem, we are committed to providing our students with the support and resources they need to succeed. Our Financial Aid Office plays a crucial role in helping students and their families navigate the complexities of funding their education. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Student Services Specialist to join our team and make a meaningful impact on our students’ academic journeys.

Position Overview:


As a Student Services Specialist, you will be the primary point of contact for students and parents seeking information about financial aid programs. You will provide guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and the various aid programs available. Your role will involve making critical decisions that can directly impact a student’s ability to access higher education. You will work closely with other university departments to advocate for students and ensure they receive the support they need.

Key Responsibilities:


Managing Work Processes:

• Provide information about all student financial aid programs, including program characteristics, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Conducts appointments and handles walk-ins and phone inquiries from students and parents.
• Discuss confidential financial data and family circumstances with clients to advise on financial aid options.

Decision Making:

• Exercise “professional judgment” in individual student situations to determine exceptions to standard financial aid regulations.
• Suggest academic strategies to help students meet financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements.
• Offer advice on various university-related matters, including bill payment, housing, registration, admissions, and career planning.

Program Management:

• Thoroughly understand and communicate Federal and State student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures.
• Advise and counsel students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, and university policies.
• Ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( FERPA ) and university policies.
• Navigate the student Banner system to access and provide the necessary information.

Information and Records Administration:

• Review and verify student financial aid application documents, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.
• Determine award packages based on Federal and State guidelines.
• Support the reconciliation of the Federal Pell Grant Program and assist the Data Analyst position.

Client Customer Service:

• Provide accurate information and explain policies and procedures with a sensitive and caring attitude.
• Advocate for students by contacting other university offices, private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Department of Education portals ( NSLDS, COD, IFAP, etc.) and state portals.
• Familiarity with the student Banner system and financial aid regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on students’ lives and educational journeys.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:


Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position.
Join us at WSSU and be a part of a team dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals!

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid awards, federal, state and institutional funds to students. To assist students with receiving aid to attend WSSU . Within Enrollment Management division, we support the recruiting efforts to admit and enroll students at WSSU .

Position Information

Position Number

009047

Competency Level

Journey

Working Position Title

Student Services Specialist

Building and Room No.

Thompson Center, Room 201

Work Hours: From [time] to [time] on [days] of [week]

8:00-5:00

Hours per week

40

Months per year

12

Appointment Type

Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.

No

Appointment Length.

12

DHR Assigned Fields

FTE

1

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies

No

Position required to work On-Call/Emergency Callback

No

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Knowledge of the Department of Education portals ( NSLDS, COD, IFAP, etc.) and state portals.
• Familiarity with the student Banner system and financial aid regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid US Driver's License

No

Commercial Driver's License Required

No

Physical Required

No

List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

SPA00933P

Internal Posting Only

No

Time Limited Position

Appointment Length

Salary

$36,042 - $45,989

Open Date

07/22/2024

Close Date

08/05/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions Summary

Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.

Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.

Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Competency

Managing Work Processes

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

Managing Work Processes: The position will have direct contact with clients (students and parents, primarily) on an appointment, on a walk-in basis, and over the phone. The position provides information about all student financial aid programs, including program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures, and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc. In order to complete this responsibility, the position must be knowledgeable in the details of all student financial programs, ranging from private/institutional scholarships to federal loan programs. The position discusses confidential financial data and other family circumstances with the client. Advise the client about the impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs.
Must have knowledge of the Department of Education portals ( NSLDS, COD, IFAP, etc.) and state portals.

Percentage Of Time

20

Competency

Decision Making

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

Decision Making: The position exercises “professional judgment” in individual student situations. In financial aid administration, this means that the position determines, after reviewing the student’s situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outlined in program regulation and that the student should be an “exception to the rule.” Although not an academic advisor, the position often suggests various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of aid. Although the position is not directly responsible for activities in other areas of the University, it often offers advice about paying bills, housing, registering, applying for admissions, transferring to and from the University, career planning, etc. At times, the position is a position of recommending that the client seek assistance through the University’s counseling center or Dean of Students. The position makes decisions to award financial aid or to approve a client as an “exception,” can mean access to higher education for that individual

Percentage Of Time

20

Competency

Program Management

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

Program Management: The position requires a thorough understanding of Federal and State student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures and the ability to communicate information clearly. The position advises and counsels students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies, and procedures at the university. The incumbent must be knowledgeable about all financial aid programs, not just the programs it administers. The position must understand the information that can or cannot be given under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( FERPA ) and the policies and procedures of the University and the Financial Aid Office. The position must be knowledgeable about the student Banner system and how to navigate through the student’s record to find the necessary information to assist the student. This position must be knowledgeable of important dates and deadlines each semester to ensure correct information is given. This position will reconcile the Federal Pell Grant Program and support the Data Analyst position.

Percentage Of Time

20

Competency

Information/Records Administration

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

Information and Records Administration: The position will review documents (examples- not all-inclusive: IRS forms, Social Security Administration documents, military leave, and earnings statements, Veteran’s Administration benefits letters, letters from students and/or parents, Federal Student Aid Reports, Parent Loan application/promissory notes) that pertain to a student’s financial aid application. The position will be reviewed for completeness and compared with information already contained on the student’s financial aid Banner record. Confidentiality of these records is crucial to the operation of the Financial Aid Office and to this position. The position must understand the Federal and State regulations surrounding Financial Aid to determine if additional information is needed or if the file is complete to determine the award package. The position will be responsible for determining awards based on these guidelines.

Percentage Of Time

20

Competency

Client/Customer Service

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

Client Customer Service: In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, the employee in the position must project a sensitive and caring attitude. The employee must recognize the impact his/her interaction with the student and/or parent in this situation can have on his/her college career and personal life. As part of the position’s counseling activities, it may contact other university offices to seek advice for the student or serve as an advocate for the student. The position also contacts private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education for information or as an advocate for the student.

Percentage Of Time

20
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Document
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents