Financial Aid Specialist

Position/Application Information

MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY invites applicants to apply for the position of Financial Aid Specialist.

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

POSITION INFORMATION: This is a full-time, 12–month, unclassified position.

POSITION NUMBER: U99093

SALARY: $36,000

REPORTING AUTHORITY: Assistant Director of Financial Aid

DEADLINE: Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before January 21, 2025 will be considered first.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS: For the application process, applicants must complete an electronic application and upload required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Resume/Vitae
• Three Professional References (include: name, phone number, and e-mail address)
• Unofficial Transcripts

Position Duties/Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Financial Aid Specialist include verifying the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications in compliance with all federal regulations, completing various reports related to a student’s application, and counseling current and prospective students and families concerning their application for financial assistance. Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Complete knowledge and understanding of guidelines and eligibility calculations associated with all financial aid programs. This requires constant continuing education (interpreting regulations, reading handbook, attending conferences, participating in webinars, etc.).
• Verifying the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications in compliance with all federal regulations, which includes:
  • Reviewing applications for accuracy of information and completion of documentation
  • Requesting appropriate documentation to verify data as required by federal regulations.
  • Documenting and correcting inaccurate data and recalculating eligibility
  • Monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all applicants.
  • Determining when an application is eligible and ready to be awarded.
  • Considering the use of professional judgment in a fair and consistent manner to make decisions for situations, which arise, that are not covered by federal regulation. (ie. dependency overrides, special circumstances)
  • Working daily reports in a timely manner
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite as well as other technical skill requirements

Required/Preferred Qualifications

Required:?

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three to five years of experience in customer service in a professional office, call center, or related high-volume setting
• Friendly, cheerful disposition and positive attitude
• Elevated level of initiative and self-motivation
• Energetic, service oriented, able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner
• Attentive to detail with strong organization skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines and priorities
• Commitment to providing the highest-level quality service to a diverse group of individuals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in the use of computers and word processing, spreadsheet, database applications and ability to search and obtain information from the internet
• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time

Preferred:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner
• Experience working in higher education

General University information

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Krisshunn Youngblood, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: (337) 475-5428; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: (337) 562-4227; or kyoungblood@mcneese.edu.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-“Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees”-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver’s license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services ( or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.