Specialist - Financial Aid

ABOUT US

We are Harper College…the college in your community.

The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened

September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a

pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the

first president of the University of Chicago.

Harper College is now one of the nation’s premier community

colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000

students annually in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The College’s

academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for

transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree

and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce

training, professional development, continuing education classes,

accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education

programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable

compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state

law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary

ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top

talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open

discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any

questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College

typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this

position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning

with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience.

To review all benefit information visit us at

https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: Two years of experience in Higher Education with

knowledge of Title IV programs and regulations, financial aid

application and delivery, and file verification. Veteran School

Certifying Official experience a plus. Experience with Ellucian

Banner or related financial aid management system preferred.

Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills with

demonstrated professionalism required.

JOB DESCRIPTION 42.11306 ABOUT THE TEAM

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for advising students, parents, faculty, and staff in

all aspects of financial aid. Serves as a primary source of direct

information disseminated to Harper College stakeholders regarding

the accuracy of specific aid statuses and deadlines, instruction on

the proper completion of the Free Application for Federal Student

Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid applications and forms, and

complex aid regulations. Expertise is critical in the areas of

application and disbursement procedures, exercising professional

judgment to analyze and process files, and operating in compliance

with the regulatory and institutional requirements for federal,

state, college, and external financial aid programs. Assists with

the administration of the federal and state grant programs,

Veterans education benefits, scholarships, federal work study as

well as federal and private student loan programs (Direct, PLUS,

and Alternative Loans).

Serves as an expert source of information to ensure students and

parents understand how to pay for college and educates them on how

institutional, federal, state and third party resources can provide

assistance.

Advises students and parents about their financial opportunities to

pay for college. Provides timely, accurate and confidential

information during in-person meetings, telephone calls, chat and

email.

Answers questions concerning financial aid, scholarships, work

study and Veterans programs including benefits, eligibility

criteria, the application process, policies and procedures,

appropriate deadlines, specific aid status information, loan

information and requirements, and the impact of taking out student

loans.

Applies customer service skills, knowledge, advocacy, and

professional judgment to address both simple and complex matters to

ensure that stakeholder financial aid needs are served in a timely

manner and they have a positive experience.

Adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

and all data sharing requirements while managing sensitive

information to diagnose and analyze the various facets of each

student’s financial situation.

Utilizes in-depth knowledge to understand, analyze and explain

administrative and compliance requirements related to processing

federal and state grant programs, institutional programs and

Federal Direct Loans using the Ellucian Banner system.

Exercises a strong working knowledge of ERP systems (Ellucian

Banner preferably) and uses the system effectively to process

financial aid and assist students.

Serves as a debt management advocate to inform students about

federal and private loan terms, borrowing levels, loan policies and

procedures, and loan entrance and exit counseling requirements.

Assists with making group presentations and participate in default

prevention activities that deliver information to students in

classes or other forums.

Participates in outreach activities and recruitment efforts of the

Admission staff to provide financial aid

information to prospective students.

Presents financial aid information at outreach events, both on and

off campus (i.e., high school financial aid nights, Open House,

etc.) that may occur during normal business hours, in the evenings

and on an occasional weekend. Is a collaborative and enthusiastic

team member representing OSFA and the College.

Uses analytical skills and applies program knowledge to perform

needs analysis, verification, packaging, award adjustments and

other procedures necessary to deliver financial assistance to

students.

Adapts to new technologies related to financial aid and loan

processing.

Distributes application information and materials to students as

requested.

Maintains a thorough understanding of administrative and compliance

requirements for state and federal aid programs, and institutional

policies for Harper College aid programs.

Assists students on issues that may change their financial aid and

enrollment status including the potential effect of changes in

their course load, withdrawal from their classes and eligibility

for a refund of tuition charges, and adherence to the Satisfactory

Academic Progress (SAP) standards, policy, and appeal process.

Reviews and renders decisions of SAP appeals.

Assists with various projects, exception reports and quality

assurance initiatives in order to assure compliance.

Participates in ongoing training and professional development

activities including staying abreast of regulations and best

practices through the use of webinars, reading listservs and

regulatory documents, attending conferences. Assists with training

of internal staff.

Applies excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication

skills to deliver positive and negative messages. Uses conflict

management to handle adverse situations. Interacts and establishes

a professional rapport with students, parents, faculty and staff

throughout Harper College.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Work is primarily indoor and sedentary in nature. Evening and

occasional weekend hours are required. Ability to perform in a

hybrid work environment.

Equipment/Tools Used

In order to perform job duties, must be able to operate standard

office equipment, including a computer, printer, telephone, fax

machine, calculator, and copier.

Supervision

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, OSFA Operations. May

receive day-to-day direction from the Manager, Technical Support

and the Director of Student Financial Assistance. Provides

direction to student aides.