Financial Aid Specialist

Position Title :

Financial Aid Specialist

Location :

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department :

61300 - Financial Aid

Advertised Salary :

$22.57 Hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and CTA / MEA-NEA Agreement

Benefits :

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Clerical Tech Association (CTA)

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Temporary / Continuing :

Continuing

Part-Time / Full-Time :

Full-Time

Union Group :

Clerical-Technical Association (MEA-NEA)

Term of Position : 12 Month

At Will / Just Cause :

Just Cause

Summary of Position :

Work independently and under minimal supervision to implement and coordinate the operations of various Financial Aid specialized area(s). Communicate and perform duties in a manner that provide excellent service and is responsive to customer needs. Function as a 'lead worker' to assist and answer questions for lower-level employees.

Position Type : Staff

Required Education :

Satisfactory completion of two years college or equivalent.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Equivalency for education is two years of full-time related work experience equals one year of education.

Required Work Experience :

Four years of office experience. Experience in customer service and familiarity with state or federal regulations.

Required Licenses and Certifications :

Physical Demands :

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Repetitive movement

Additional Education / Experiences to be Considered :

Knowledge of computerized student record / large database management system. Supervisory experience. Student services related work experience. Experience in network or software jobs and working with computer technical personnel to resolve programming difficulties.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Perform any / all duties defined in the Student Service Representative 1, 2, 3 & 4 position descriptions.

2. Answer the phones and be the first line of communication within the Financial Aid Office.

3. Coordinate the implementation and daily operations of assigned programs and external data systems.

4. Investigate, develop, recommend, implement, and / or revise University procedures relating to specific area(s).

5. Function as the 'lead worker' and train staff in various high-level duties.

6. Function as department liaison to work with other University employees and / or outside agencies relating to assigned area of specialty.

7. Independently analyze special requests and considerations and make determination and give authorization.

8. Research regulations and help identify best practices and procedures.

9. Coordinate workflow and operations as assigned.

10. Routinely handle confidential information. Assist coworkers, customers, etc with sensitive issues or decisions.

11. Authorize approvals, exceptions, etc. within assigned scope of responsibilities.

12. Be cross trained in other specialized areas within the office.

13. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.

14. Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.

15. Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties / Responsibilities :

Skills and Abilities :

1. Plan, organize and make sound judgments and decisions. Utilize the rules of proper grammar, correct spelling and punctuation, and proper arrangement of information.

2. Perform mathematical functions and advanced accounting with accuracy and attention to detail.

3. Communicate effectively with a diverse customer population.

4. Use computer software and systems.

5. Operate a variety of office machines and equipment.

6. Meet deadlines, demonstrate excellent organization and analytical skills.

7. Understand and maintain current knowledge of special terminology and regulations.

8. Ability to interview, hire, direct, and train student employees.

9. Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Required Documents :

Optional Documents :

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED) : If applicable, applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript demonstrating satisfactory completion of two years college as described in the Required Education section. If you do not have a transcript, please write a justification explaining how your work experience is equivalent to the required education and attach that justification in lieu of the transcript. Transcript must include : Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript (if applicable).

Initial Application Review Date :

September 15, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled? :

Yes

Posting Close Date : EEO Statement :

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit : Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.