Specialized Support, Financial Aid Loan Specialist

The Financial Aid Loan Specialist is responsible for administering the Federal Direct Student Loan Programs, PLUS Loans, and Private/Alternative loans. This role also handles enrollment verification forms, student loan deferments, and provides high-volume assistance to students and parents. The position requires strong analytical skills to resolve application issues, as well as a thorough understanding of federal regulations and tax filing guidelines. Additional responsibilities include performing file verification and processing an assigned portion of student files (R–T). The role involves daily customer service through phone, email, and front-counter interactions with students, parents, and the general public.

Primary Responsibilities

Perform verification of student financial aid files (R–T letters), including reviewing FAFSA data, tax return documentation, and verification worksheet information. Identify and resolve discrepancies and request additional information when necessary.
Provide customer service by answering phone inquiries and responding to student and parent questions via email.
Review of reports with SIS system such as Default/C-Code list, overpayment report, disbursement failures, etc. to resolve issues or flag for further review by supervisor.
Alternative/private loan processing by reviewing reports to ELM and SIS System, flagging pending disbursement issues, confirming enrollment and cost of attendance, and requesting refunds from accounting when required to ensure funds are returned to proper accounts.
Other Duties and Responsibilities

Receive and process school loan deferment requests, submitting information to the National Student Loan Clearinghouse on a bi-weekly basis and resolving any related student issues.
Manage Exit Counseling process in the SIS System for students who have ceased enrollment or dropped below half-time of their loan repayment obligations.
Review loan adjustment reports regularly to identify requests for processing or follow-up with students for additional information.
Resolve loan disbursement failures to ensure timely and accurate crediting of funds to student accounts.
Send enrollment verification instructions to confirm half-time attendance for students whose lenders require confirmation prior to loan disbursement.
Review PLUS Loan applications to resolve discrepancies and collect missing documentation.
Conduct outreach to students who have not accepted or declined loan offers or who have outstanding action items in the SIS system.