Student Services Specialist: Special Grants Programs

The mission of The Office of Student Financial Aid is to offer a comprehensive financial aid program that attempts to meet the financial needs of all university students, utilizing aid programs from all sources students are believed to be eligible, designing financial aid packages in ways which assist students in achieving a quality education and support their academic objectives.

Further, to remain eligible to participate in all available funding sources by maintaining compliance and providing data to funding sources and campus partners.

Student Services Specialist: Special Grants Programs is the primary point of contact for managing the special grant funds and reporting agreements. This position will pull and evaluate data, advising the Director of Financial Aid on when to award more or cease awarding (monitoring yield); conducting outreach to students; evaluating applications; making awarding decisions; completing and submitting annual reporting to the funding source(s). This position will also serve as a financial aid counselor that advises students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies and procedures at the University. As a counselor, this position provides information and advice about all financial aid programs; reviews and analyzes financial aid applications and records; resolves conflicting information; and investigates unusual situations and decides the outcome. This position will provide a variety of financial aid information to students.

30% Counseling Duties
All professional staff have counselor duties.
The position will have direct contact with clients (students and parents, primarily) on an appointment and walk-in basis and over the phone. The position provides information about all student financial aid programs - 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 maintains knowledge in the details of all students' financial aid programs, ranging from private/institutional scholarships to federal loan programs. The position discusses confidential financial data and other family circumstances with the client. This position advises the client about its impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs. 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 outline in program regulations and that the student should be an "exception to the rule." The position, although not an academic advisor, is often in a situation of suggesting various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of financial aid.

40% Program Duties
Monitors both funds and awarding after reviewing applications for the MYED Retention fund. Making awards in accordance with the fund agreement between ECU and the MYED funding source. Reporting the awards and demographics of the recipients in the forms and formats required by the funding source.
It is critical that this position review data; plan for and request assistance from other staff in light of both the academic calendar and the financial aid office calendar; and build and maintain relationships with Registrar staff, Business and Finance staff, staff at the ECU Foundation and with the donor(s).
Last, the position uses its knowledge to speak with confidence in answers to students and families with questions about when and why a student may be offered or denied FWS and act as intermediary with Internal Audit or employers.

20% Information and Records Administration
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. Position will review for completeness and compare 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. Position understands 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. Position will be responsible for determining award based on these guidelines.
Professional Judgement:
Position will make professional judgement decisions about when to cancel aid and when to reach out to students and parents to request additional information when appropriate. Position will read, interpret, and make professional judgement decision regarding when a student and employer have a dispute over time worked or job duties. Will decide if the FWS program should be canceled or student moved to a different employer. Position will carefully document all professional judgement decisions made.

10% Researching/Writing/Training/Outreach:
Position will be the resource for Federal Title IV statutory and regulatory requirements and recommend policies and procedures to ensure compliance in overall financial aid operation. Help in the development of institutional financial aid policy, procedures, and philosophy in conjunction with the Director and Associate Director.
Position will be responsible for training new and continuing staff on new regulations as they are promulgated and will teach all Counseling and Call Center staff how to answer questions regarding the application process for the MYED grant.

This position is contingent upon available funding.

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

None

Experience and/or training in financial aid;
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general federal student financial aid regulations;
Ability to write reports, correspondences, and procedure manuals;
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, students, and general public;
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of instructions furnished in oral and written form.
Computer Skills:
Experience with Banner Financial Aid Module and Word Processing
Able to navigate the federal Common Origination and Disbursement website and the National Student Loan Data System ( COD.ed.gov and NSLDS.ed.gov) as well as the National Student Clearinghouse website.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United Sates on a full-time basis.

Two to three original letters of reference are required for employment. Please be aware that if selected as a candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered in the References section of the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.