Financial Aid Specialist: Loans & Counseling

McNeese; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, invites qualified applicants to apply for the Financial Aid Specialist position in the Office of Financial Aid. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified role available immediately.

The specialist will manage federal loan programs, disburse funds, monitor NSLDS, and provide borrower counseling while collaborating with Enrollment Management. A bachelor’s degree and strong MS Office skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Friendly, cheerful disposition and positive attitude. Service-oriented and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner.
• Elevated level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Commitment to providing the highest-level quality service to a diverse group of individuals.
• Proficient in MS Office, student information systems, social media, and education-related technologies; able to obtain information from reliable sources on the internet.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Acquire and maintain knowledge of federal financial aid guidelines and eligibility.
• Counsel borrowers by phone and in person regarding loan requirements and responsibilities.
• Originate and disburse federal Direct student loans in compliance with regulations.
• Transmit loan data to the COD system promptly and accurately.
• Review needs analysis, determine eligibility, and award loans.
• Train campus staff on loan regulations and policy changes.
• Monitor NSLDS and resolve discrepancies daily.
• Back up for end-of-year reports and EDConnect file transmissions.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Organization

Attention to detail

Discretion

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

COD system

Job description

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, invites qualified applicants to apply for the Financial Aid Specialist position in the Office of Financial Aid. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified role available immediately.

The specialist will manage federal loan programs, disburse funds, monitor NSLDS, and provide borrower counseling while collaborating with Enrollment Management. A bachelor’s degree and strong MS Office skills are required.