Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Office’s focus is to eliminate unnecessary barriers to college access and completion. Our goal is to simplify the financial aid process as much as possible, and to make sure students are always engaged and aware of the next step. Our office allows us to reach students earlier and more efficiently, to have important conversations with students about their individual situations and what needs to be done to help them persist and succeed. 

We need someone who exhibits\: 

Integrity\: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency, professionalism and thoughtfulness in communication. 

Care\: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, welcoming, and approachable. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude.  

Intentionality\: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner. 

Innovation\: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority. 

Scope of Position/Essential Duties\:

• Evaluate financial aidapplications and determine student eligibility. 
• Assist with the administration of state, federal and institutional aid.
• Maintain compliance with state, federal and institutional regulations as they pertain to student financial aid.
• Communicates with students concerning additional documentation needed to continue financial aid processing and inquiries regarding load.
• Responsible for reviewing financial aid e-mails and responding to questions.
• Initiates verification process and subsequently reviews verification documentation submitted by students. 
• Completes system updates with information submitted for verification and troubleshoots any discrepancies. 
• Verifies students' enrollment and accuracy of award. 
• Provides answers for basic application and processing questions to students and parents. 
• Provides general office and administrative support by performing various data maintenance, reception, records activities, information distribution, correspondence, and other related support duties. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the overall successful operation of the department. 

The Financial Aid Office’s focus is to eliminate unnecessary barriers to college access and completion. Our goal is to simplify the financial aid process as much as possible, and to make sure students are always engaged and aware of the next step. Our office allows us to reach students earlier and more efficiently, to have important conversations with students about their individual situations and what needs to be done to help them persist and succeed. 

We need someone who exhibits\: 

Integrity\: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency, professionalism and thoughtfulness in communication. 

Care\: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, welcoming, and approachable. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude.  

Intentionality\: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner. 

Innovation\: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority. 

Scope of Position/Essential Duties\:

• Evaluate financial aidapplications and determine student eligibility. 
• Assist with the administration of state, federal and institutional aid.
• Maintain compliance with state, federal and institutional regulations as they pertain to student financial aid.
• Communicates with students concerning additional documentation needed to continue financial aid processing and inquiries regarding load.
• Responsible for reviewing financial aid e-mails and responding to questions.
• Initiates verification process and subsequently reviews verification documentation submitted by students. 
• Completes system updates with information submitted for verification and troubleshoots any discrepancies. 
• Verifies students' enrollment and accuracy of award. 
• Provides answers for basic application and processing questions to students and parents. 
• Provides general office and administrative support by performing various data maintenance, reception, records activities, information distribution, correspondence, and other related support duties. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the overall successful operation of the department. 

Required Education and Experience\: High School Diploma or GED, AND\: 

• 24 months financial aid general office, clerical, or related experience.

Skills\:

•  Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes. 
•  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.     
•  Ability to solve problems in a timely manner.       
•  Customer Service.   
•  Ability to be patient and handle issues in a professional manner.  
•  Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Advertised Physical Requirements\:

• Sitting for prolonged periods. 
• Communicate effectively and listen. 
• Uses a computer and telephone.
• Standard Office Environment.

Special Instructions\: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https\://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma\: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement\: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Required Education and Experience\: High School Diploma or GED, AND\: 

• 24 months financial aid general office, clerical, or related experience.

Skills\:

•  Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes. 
•  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.     
•  Ability to solve problems in a timely manner.       
•  Customer Service.   
•  Ability to be patient and handle issues in a professional manner.  
•  Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Advertised Physical Requirements\:

• Sitting for prolonged periods. 
• Communicate effectively and listen. 
• Uses a computer and telephone.
• Standard Office Environment.

Special Instructions\: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https\://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma\: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement\: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.