Job Information
Shenandoah University Office of Financial Aid Loan Specialist in Winchester, Virginia
Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid is accepting applications for a Financial Aid Loan Specialist. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.
This individual reports directly to the Director of Student Financial Services. The loan specialist is responsible for certifying federal and private loans at Shenandoah University. This position works closely with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Hornet Central, Financial Aid Counseling Verification team, Student Accounts, and Student Employment as necessary to ensure students and families have completed paperwork in a timely manner.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
Certify student eligibility for federal and private loans. Process documents related to the evaluation of aid eligibility.
Meets with students and/or families to discuss Financial Aid related issues; meetings are offered in person, on the phone, and via zoom. This is an onsite position where attendance is expected to be on time and in person daily.
Process Federal Nursing loan requests, including sending files to ECSI (nursing loan servicer) on a weekly and monthly basis; also checking MPNs and rescinding nursing loans as needed.
Process Faculty/Staff Grant requests
Tuition Exchange Officer who verifies and certifies requests and works with Director of Student Financial Services to review Tuition exchange and Counsel of Independent Colleges (CIC) eligibility and awarding.
Review and process Professional Judgment Requests- Cost of Attendance
Works with Student Accounts and Hornet Central to communicate the effect of changes in enrollment on Financial Aid award and tuition, as well as housing changes.
Reviews and corrects over-awards on student’s accounts weekly.
Responsible for Direct Loan and Pell Monthly reconciliation process.
Originates and sends Direct Loan files to COD
Sends PELL files to COD
Reconciliation of Uncashed federal loan checks
Responds to Office of Financial Aid emails and phone calls within 1 business day.
Maintain current knowledge and compliance requirements for all federal and private loans.
Stay up to date with federal loan repayment plan options and PSLF options.
Help to keep our financial literacy information on our website up to date.
Work with private lenders to ensure Shenandoah University is using the most efficient manner of certifying and disbursing student loans.
Works closely with the Associate Director of Student Financial Services to return private loan funds back to the private loan lender when a student is no longer enrolled or no longer eligible to receive all or a portion of the requested loan (or when a student requests a reduction in their private loan amount that was received).
Assists the Associate Director with graduate student packaging and budget building.
Holds in person exit counseling sessions with students. Comply with federal regulations by mailing out exit counseling information in a timely manner.
Attend events and give presentations as requested
Monitors Financial Aid listservs (including IFAP and NASFAA) and collaborates with the team regarding regulation updates.
Reviews Transfer Monitoring by reviewing NSLDS and updating the spreadsheet accordingly for awarding purposes.
Maintains current knowledge of computer software used by Student Financial Services including Ellucian and/or other reporting tools, such as Excel, Microsoft Word, Access, and Google Docs.
Create supporting policy and procedure documents as necessary.
Regular and predictable onsite attendance is an essential function of this position.
Other duties as needed.
Required Skills
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Possess the ability to communicate effectively with people in a welcoming way.
Must demonstrate excellent organizational, written, and oral skills. Ability to problem-solve.
Works well with diverse populations of people.
Ability to work independently yet harmoniously in a team environment.
Ability to handle a stressful work environment during the busy times of the year, which is typically the summer months.
Must be cooperative, patient, and demonstrate diplomacy.
Required Experience
Position Requirements:
Experience in Financial Aid preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
Required positive experience in customer service.
Demonstrate knowledge of ability to work with computer programs such as Google products, etc.
Ability to work in a team atmosphere as well as independently.
This is an in person position where attendance is expected on location in Winchester, Virginia.
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.