What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Specialist position at Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University’s Office of Financial Aid is seeking a motivated Financial Aid Specialist to assist students in navigating the financial aid process. In this role, you will help students access scholarships, student loans, and grants to support their education. You will build strong relationships with students and their families while providing excellent customer service and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. This position may require occasional overtime or weekend work during peak processing periods.
Key Responsibilities:
- Understand and apply all regulations governing federal financial aid.
- Guide students through the application process for financial aid.
- Track and facilitate student progress in obtaining financial aid.
- Create fair and equitable financial aid packages based on federal guidelines and student
eligibility.
- Inform students about institutional financial awards and other resources.
- Accurately disburse financial aid to qualifying students.
- Provide financial literacy education to students and parents.
- Build and maintain relationships with students and parents.
- Communicate frequently with students through various channels (email, phone, text).
- Meet department performance goals related to student outreach, aid processing
timelines, and compliance standards.
- Maintain accurate records of student contact and financial aid using departmental
software.
- Participate in training and financial aid conferences regularly.
- Represent the University’s mission to Gather, Lift, Launch.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Ability to meet strict goals and deadlines.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- High levels of empathy and social intelligence.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Proven work ethic and self-motivation.
- Ability to work with diverse personalities and perspectives.
- 2-3 years of work experience in financial services, customer service, sales, or a related
field.
- Relevant work experience may substitute for a formal degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience in customer service or sales.
- Experience with Jenzabar or similar student information system (SIS) software.
- Background in college financial aid.
Hours/Benefits:
This is a full-time position with benefits. Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required during peak financial aid processing periods.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to hr@svu.edu. The position will be open until filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
