Financial Aid Specialist in Spartanburg, South Carolina at Spartanburg Methodist College

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist supports all aspects of financial aid operations with an emphasis on student-facing service. The Specialist counsels students and families on financial aid options, conducts need analysis, processes applications, and performs verification activities in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The role requires a strong understanding of financial aid programs and policies, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to ensure excellent service and regulatory compliance. A commitment to excellence is essential.

Areas of Responsibility

• Provides comprehensive counseling to students and families on all aspects of financial aid, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, aid programs, educational costs, satisfactory academic progress, state scholarship eligibility and renewal requirements, professional judgment considerations, and borrower rights and responsibilities under federal loan programs.
• Manages file processing, verification, clearance monitoring, and Direct Loan adjustments for an assigned student population. Conducts intake and follow-up with students and parents regarding outstanding or incomplete documentation to ensure timely and accurate completion. Reviews and evaluates collegiate transcripts and enters data to determine eligibility for State scholarship programs.
• Assists applicants with completing the FAFSA and other required forms. Provides excellent customer service by supporting visitors to the office, responding to phone calls and emails, and maintaining timely communication in accordance with office standards.
• Monitors the student withdrawal process to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including timely R2T4 calculations, return of funds, completion of exit counseling, and follow-up notifications related to Direct Loans.
• Manages the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program to include monitoring expenditures and coordination of employment with Human Resources.
• Coordinates the federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal process in collaboration with the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Partners with the Associate Director to coordinate appeals related to the South Carolina Tuition Grant (SCTG) program.
• Assists with financial aid workshops, enrollment events, and other outreach initiatives to support student engagement and promote financial aid awareness.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the overall operations and goals of the Financial Aid Office.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and efficiency in recordkeeping.
• Ability to work well with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with members of the college community and members of the public.
• Ability to work independently to perform assigned tasks.
• Demonstrated public presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Preferred experience with Ellucian Colleague, Technolutions Slate, and/or NextGen Dynamic Forms.
• Preferred experience with Department of Education's FAFSA Partner Connect and related sites such as COD, NSLDS, and FAFSA Partner Portal.
• Willingness to work evening hours and weekends as needed.

Working Conditions

The work is normally performed in an office environment which at times will require significant contact with students and family members. The work may include occasional public presentations both on and off campus. Some evening and weekend hours as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of South Carolina state is preferred, but is not a requirement.