ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is seeking an experienced and energetic individual to fill the position of Administrative Specialist III (Grant Access Program Specialist) in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. 

12

6 N. Liberty Street, Baltimore, Maryland  21201

The Administrative Specialist position is responsible for providing support for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) state financial aid programs for Maryland students. This position is responsible for a variety of duties ranging from the processing of applications, providing customer support, fielding incoming calls, responding to emails, processing a high volume of financial aid documents, conducting outreach presentations, and conducting document verification according to particular program guidelines. This position provides day-to-day program administration and subject matter expertise for the Guaranteed Access Grant scholarship program. These programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for regulation.

The Administrative Specialist is a member of the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and is primarily responsible for carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of the Guaranteed Access Grant and other financial aid programs. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

· This position serves as a lead to the administration of the Guaranteed Access Grant scholarship program on a daily basis.  This and all other state programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for regulation.

· Analyzes and processes a variety of documents related to determining program eligibility for the Guaranteed Access Grant. This may include such documents as applications, enrollment certification, high school transcripts, and other supporting documentation. Performs verification on selected files according to established rules and regulations outlined under Title IV financial aid. Analysis and processing must be in compliance with State law and Commission policies.

· Assist in the administration of the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program to determine program eligibility.

· Administers certain state aid decentralized programs to include determining annual allocations for post-secondary institutions and complete internal and external annual reconciliation processes.

· Responsible for fielding calls and responding to e-mails from students, parents, and post-secondary institutions as they relate to more than 20 state-funded student financial aid programs.  These programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for administration and regulation.

· Reviews financial aid appeals and makes determinations regarding the outcome and provides timely responses to students regarding appeal decisions.

· Maintains on-line student records by updating inquiry and applicant files, inputting and verifying awards, and making changes based on the students’ eligibility.

· Responsible for performing award calculations and processes award letters ensuring the financial aid award is posted to the correct institution.

· Respond to a high-volume and fast-paced operational setting that requires attention to detail and excellent customer service skills.

 

Experience: Four years of experience in administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the completion of 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1.  The successful candidate will possess an associate’s degree or higher credential from an accredited college or university

2.  Has two years experience working in a customer service/call center. 

3.  The successful candidate will also have two years experience working in higher education, a fast-paced operational environment, and is results driven.  

4.  Two years in financial aid experience with a strong background in verification, excellent customer service skills, experience managing projects with deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

 

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: