Financial Aid Specialist at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon

Job Description:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details

Proposed Start Date	01/02/2025
Classification Title	Office Specialist 1
Working Title	Financial Aid Specialist
Department	331241 - FAO Financial Aid
Position Number	D99892
Representation	OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE	.50
End date, if applicable

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept	Portland State University is nationally recognized as setting a standard for urban universities in the 21st century. The University is strategically located in the population and business center of Oregon on a 32-acre campus with 41 major buildings in the tree-lined Park Blocks district of downtown Portland. Total enrollment exceeds 23,000 including more than 5,000 graduate students. Portland State was granted university status in 1969 and is a relatively young and growing university with an active continuing education program. The Branford Price Millar Library holds 1.28 million bound volumes and 8,900 serial subscriptions. As an urban university, Portland State serves as the center of the educational network in the Portland metropolitan area.
Position Summary	The Financial Aid Specialist is part of the Student Support team and provides customer service to assist students, their families and the campus community with all aspects of the financial aid process. Responsibilities include providing information in person, by phone, chat and through email concerning student financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies. Additionally, Financial Aid Specialists contribute to prospective and new student efforts as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions’ recruitment season. They also provide limited administrative support and coordination for the office’s customer service strategy.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification	Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR One year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position	Have at least one year of customer service experience. Have a basic knowledge of the use of personal computers with a functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation. Able to access Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems. Able to operate standard office machines such as copiers and scanners. Able to read, understand and retain federal and state rules and regulations. Able to read, understand and retain institutional policies and procedures. Able to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse student body in an empathetic manner, both verbally and in writing. Successful completion of a background check.
Preferred Qualifications	Have two (2) years of customer service experience in a financial aid office, non-profit agency, or related venue serving students and applying appropriate rules and regulations. Have a student-centered customer service perspective. Have knowledge of current federal and state financial aid rules and regulations. Have working knowledge of Ellucian Banner or other financial aid management system (FAMS). Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and time limits. Able to work independently with minimal direction. Able to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Able to read, understand and retain complex financial aid policies and regulations.
Key Cultural Competencies	Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences. Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds. Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship	Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours	20 hours a week between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement	The starting hourly rate for this position will be between $16.94 and $18.16. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. PSU’s excellent benefits package includes healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-psu

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please explain your customer service philosophy and describe a time when you dealt with a challenging customer service situation.

   (Open Ended Question)

2. * How did you first find out about this position?
   • PSU Website
   • Indeed.com
   • HERCJobs
   • Urban League of Portland
   • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
   • Oregon Employment Department
   • Social Media
   • Person Referral
   • Career Builder
   • Glass Door
   • Other - Please describe in the next Question
3. If you selected Other, please describe.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Professional References

Optional Documents

PI255656919

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