Coordinator/ Financial Aid Processing Specialist

Louisiana State University; Letterkenny Township (Franklin County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Tuition exemption

Job summary

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge seeks a Coordinator/Financial Aid Processing Specialist to support verification, FAFSA interpretation, and calculation of Title IV returns. You will assist with communicating conflicts, resolving discrepancies, and guiding students through federal and state aid processes.

Responsibilities include counseling prospective and enrolled students, resolving overawards, and participating in special projects and professional events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in financial aid or higher education.
• Eligibility to obtain NSLDS access; not in default on a student loan.
• Experience in financial aid operations and student services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Processing (80%): interpret and enter verification items; resolve discrepancies; interpret FAFSA transactions; calculate Title IV funds returns; monitor refunds upon student resignation.
• Financial Aid Counseling (10%): advise students on federal/state aid programs; handle overaward adjustments and inquiries.
• Special projects (10%): rotate on SAP appeals committee; represent LSU at events; support enrollment management objectives.

Skills

Active Listening

Communication

Confidentiality

Critical Thinking

Customer-Focused

Decision Making

Policy Knowledge

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

NSLDS Access

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Coordinator/ Financial Aid Processing Specialist

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM AA - EM - Rec - FAS - FA - Operations (Morgan Trapen Tannehill (00001127))

Work Location:

1138 Ruffin G. Pleasant Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Financial Aid Processing Specialist position within Louisiana State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will play a key collaborative role in advancing the university and meeting the student access objectives. The individual, with general oversight from the Senior Coordinator of Operations, will be responsible for assisting with interpreting and entering verification documents, communicating conflicts identified in the verification process, performing calculations for Return of Title IV funds and communicating with current and prospective students and families.

Financial Aid Operations (80%)

• Interpret and enter verification action items to admitted and continuing students. Identify and resolve discrepancies in self-reported information against actual documentation for the pool selected for verification.
• Communicate conflicts identified in the verification process and information needed for resolution.
• Interpret subsequent transactions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that may be received for a student to determine if conflicts exist. If conflicts exist, request the appropriate verification action item on the student’s account and communicate the conflict.
• Perform calculations in accordance with the regulations for the returning of Title IV funds to the appropriate programs within the time frame allotted by the Department of Education.
• Responsible for monitoring posting of refunds for any Title IV funds returned to the Department of Education by a student officially or unofficially resigning and have received federal student aid.
• Processes the ‘special circumstances’ and ‘petitions for independent status’ upon completion from the financial aid counselor.

Financial Aid Counseling (10%)

• Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students in all matters pertaining to federal and state financial aid programs, including but not limited to Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loan Programs. This interaction may include phone, in-person, or written contacts.
• Assist with identifying and/or resolving overaward situations and making the appropriate adjustments to financial aid programs.
• undefined

Special projects as assigned (10%)

• Serves as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee.
• Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management & Student Success at professional functions and recruiting events.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Meets eligibility to obtain National Student Loan Database System access and must not be in default on a student loan.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in financial aid or equivalent student services setting in higher education.
• Knowledge of best practices in financial aid
• Strong team orientation, effective interpersonal skills, and superior written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and proven results in achieving objectives and goals.

Special Qualifications:

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Additional Job Description:

The location of this position is LSU-BR and is not eligible for remote work.

Skills Needed:

Active Listening, Communication, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Customer-Focused, Decision Making, Policy Knowledge, Time Management

Preferred Skills:

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail].