Financial Aid Officer (Federal & Special Programs Unit)

$57,505 - $74,756/Yr

University of Connecticut - Mansfield, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Mansfield, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Connecticut is seeking a Financial Aid Officer for the Federal and Special Programs unit within the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. This role involves processing educational loans, resolving complex loan issues, and ensuring compliance with financial aid regulations. The officer will collaborate with staff, maintain knowledge of relevant laws, and communicate effectively with students and families.

Responsibilities

• Processes private alternative educational loans and Federal Direct Loans daily.
• Independently researches and answers questions of varying complexity raised by staff for Federal Direct Loans and private alternative educational loans.
• Collaborates with staff and other units to troubleshoot loan issues and quickly implement solutions.
• Primary responsibility for loan cancellation and coordination of aggregate loan borrowing review.
• Secondary responsibility for Nurse Faculty Student Loan awarding, institutional aid affidavits, and applications for undocumented students.
• Reconciles Federal Direct Loan and Federal Pell Grant, and facilitates Private Alternative Loan returns and deposits.
• Assists with the interpretation of and compliance with Financial Aid regulations, formulation of policy guidelines, and resolution of complex problems.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations governing financial aid.
• Cross trains to support administrative areas in other units, including reviewing files and documentation, packaging and awarding, and processing queries.
• Communicates with students, families, and other external constituents by email or phone.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Three years of financial aid experience.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, the public, the university community, and external constituencies; and ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience processing private alternative educational loan certifications and Federal Direct Loans.
• Preference given to candidates with experience using an automated financial aid system (e.g. PeopleSoft, Banner, etc.).

Benefits

• Employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn.
• Competitive salary and outstanding benefits.