Student Services Specialist

Saint Mary's University; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota seeks a student services advisor to help with portal access, FAFSA support, and financial aid explanations. The role emphasizes clear communication, teamwork, and efficient handling of student inquiries in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have strong customer service skills, experience with higher education settings, and the ability to translate financial information into understandable terms for students and families.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school education; GED accepted.
• Higher education experience preferred.
• Experience in customer service is required.
• Ability to explain financial concepts clearly to students and families.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on portal access and online services.
• Assist with FAFSA process and resolve issues.
• Explain financial aid awards and payment options to students and families.
• Coordinate communications with students and other university offices.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Org skills

Editing

Computer skills

SIS navigation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree preferred

Tools

SIS software

Job description

Overview and Responsibilities

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

Salary: $18.75/hr

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Advise students on how to access the student portal and promote online service.
• Advise students and families on the FAFSA process and assist in resolving issues.
• Assist students and families in understanding their financial awards, financial planning for educational expenses, tuition accounts, and payment options.
• Help manage all aspects of communication with students.
• Serve as liaison with other university offices.

Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree preferred.
• Previous customer service experience required.
• Prior work experience in higher education and student services preferred.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• A demonstrated commitment to customer service.
• Excellent communicationand listening skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Effective writing and editing skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to navigate and understand an electronic Student Information System.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations.
• Ability to translate financial information into understandable language for students and families.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment and be adaptableto work changes.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Hazards - Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments
• Ergonomics

Application Requirements

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.