Student Services Specialist - Student Financial Services

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO seeks a Student Services Specialist to counsel students and constituents on accounts receivable and financial aid, ensuring FERPA compliance. The role involves pre-verifying aid documents, auditing accounts, and guiding payment plans.

The position emphasizes financial literacy outreach, collaboration with faculty, and adherence to university policies, with routine reporting and outreach duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience handling complex customer service issues with timely, courteous responses.
• Proficient in Word and Excel; experience with database queries.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information and maintain records.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret regulations and university policies.

Responsibilities

• Advise and counsel students, parents, agencies, and staff on billing and financial aid.
• Pre-verify documents for the financial aid verification process.
• Audit accounts for accuracy and update records as needed.
• Advise on financial obligations and payment plans to support retention.
• Present financial literacy information to classes and organizations.
• Provide information on financial aid and billing during First Step Orientation.
• Assist with staff training and policy development for SFS.
• Collaborate with faculty to resolve financial concerns and complaints.
• Maintain tact and discretion with confidential university information.
• Represent SFS at outreach events and university committees.
• Stay up-to-date with regulations and policies; develop ad hoc reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Counseling

Communication

Confidentiality

Data analysis

Word

Excel

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database query programs

Job description

Southeast Missouri State University

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600215

Location

Cape Girardeau, MO

Department

Student Financial Services

Position Summary

Student Services Specialist

Student Financial Services is a central student services center that provides end-to-end, student-focused support for financial aid, student accounts, and other university accounts receivable. The Student Service Specialist's role is to provide counseling to students and other constituents regarding accounts receivable and financial aid, while adhering to University and FERPA policies and ensuring compliance. A major responsibility of the Student Service Specialist is to help students navigate the process of financing their education.

Primary Responsibilities

• Advises and counsels students, parents, agencies, and University staff on all aspects of billing and financial aid programs (federal, state, University, private, military, and other third-party), policies, procedures, practices, office services, and document completion
• Pre-verifies documents needed for the financial aid verification process
• Audits students' accounts to verify the accounts are current and accurate; update records, as needed, to be proactive and resolve problems
• Advises future, current, and prior students regarding their financial obligations to the University and provides guidance in resolving their balances and setting up payment plans to encourage student retention and customer satisfaction
• Presents financial literacy information to classes and student organizations that covers all aspects of financing higher education
• Presents information regarding financial aid and billing practices for parents and students during First Step Orientation
• Participates in the planning of and training for all SFS staff members regarding customer service and maintenance of customer service level standards
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to promote cooperative relationships that will result in opportunities to resolve financial concerns and complaints, or other difficult situations
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential and sensitive nature of university business
• Advocates for a positive student enrollment experience and promotes the University in a positive image
• Utilizes various University, business, and customer service software programs and assists with system testing and upgrades
• Assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures
• Represents the Student Financial Services Office at outreach events (local high schools, community events, Orientation, etc.)
• Represents the Student Financial Services Office on various University committees
• Keeps up to date with university, departmental, federal, and state regulations, policies, and updates
• Develops and prepares ad hoc reports and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience handling complex customer service issues with the ability to assess situations quickly and react to customers accurately and pleasantly in a timely manner
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and demonstrated experience using database query programs
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to solve problems, including the ability to help inexperienced individuals understand policies and processes
• Ability to handle confidential information, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accurate records and files
• Experience working as part of a team in a collaborative work environment
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and editing skills, and the ability to present information to the public as well as in one-on-one meetings
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Evidence of the ability to analyze, interpret, and implement federal, state, and/or University regulations, policies, and procedures

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately.

Additional Information

Department Website: Student Financial Services

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO):

Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

SEMO Fast Facts | SEMO Strategic Action Plan

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and to the principles of affirmative action. In accordance with this commitment, and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, it is the policy of the University to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees in its employment practices, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. The University believes that a diverse University community advances the academic purposes of the University and enhances the working and learning environment.