Introduction
Maryland Higher Education Commission is looking for an energetic, highly motivated, financial aid experienced, inherent individual for a Program Specialist in their Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).
GRADE
12
LOCATION OF POSITION
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 2100
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has two main purposes:
(1) academic planning and policy analysis and (2) financial assistance. The Office of Student Financial Assistance is responsible for various State student financial assistance programs, administering over $100 million in grants, scholarships, and loan assistance repayment programs in Maryland. Financial assistance programs are identified by units and include need-based grants which are awarded on the basis of the student's ability to pay; merit-based scholarships given to students with special talents; career-based scholarships for students entering certain workforce programs; loan assistance repayment programs; awards to unique populations, such as military veterans and legislative scholarships. The Administrative Specialist III position is responsible for providing administration for 1 or more programs within the assigned unit. The position reports directly to the Staff Specialist I – Higher Education of the assigned unit.
Administration – includes evaluating student eligibility in accordance with state statutes and agency policies; maintaining accurate and detailed records; ensuring student eligibility and agency administrative compliance, generating reports for task prioritization; addressing student inquiries, and collaborating with other departments to meet student needs and agency goals. Responsibilities include providing specialized financial aid counseling, document processing, responding to phone and email inquiries from students, parents, and other constituents. This position provides day-to-day program administration and subject matter expertise for state student financial assistance programs. These programs are created by legislation and administered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
POSITION DUTIES
• Primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration of programs within assigned unit.
• Interpret, apply, and clarify MHEC policy, and relevant sections of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) for diverse internal/external constituents.
• Verify and review submitted financial aid documents and resolve discrepancies by using Professional Judgment (PJ).
• Maintains student records and monitors expenditures in assigned programs by updating inquiry and applicant files, imputing and verifying awards, and requesting changes to awards so that student records are current and accurate.
• Participate in the coordination of annual report collections.
• Assist in completing annual reconciliation for assigned financial assistance programs within unit.
• Assists with the preparation and updates of forms, manuals and website for assigned programs within unit.
• Monitor assigned programs for compliance with Maryland law and regulations. Assignment will include multiple programs.
• Maintain internal review process for administration of assigned programs
• Identify recommendations of improvement in internal processes when needed
• Respond to public and institutional inquiries related to assigned programs including awarding and eligibility regulations.
• Responds to students, parents, guidance counselors, financial aid officers and business office personnel through written correspondence, telephone responses and e-mail in order to provide general and detailed information about programs and awards in a timely manner.
• Assist students and parents with the financial aid application process, including the completion of the MHEC One-App, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other required forms for state financial assistance.
• Other similar OSFA and administrative duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two years of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year of the required experience.
2. 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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One year of experience working in higher education financial aid administration
- One year of experience performing records analysis and administrative support duties within a higher education environment
- Six months of experience performing customer service skills and working collaboratively as part of a team
- Six months of experience working in a fast-paced, results driven operational environment
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
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.
SELECTION PROCESS
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.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
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.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
