Job Description:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled


Portland State University


Position Details
Position Details

Proposed Start Date	05/27/2024
Classification Title	Office Specialist 1
Working Title	Financial Aid Specialist 1
Department	331241 - FAO Financial Aid
Position Number	D99766
Representation	OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE	.5
End date, if applicable

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept	Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
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 salary rate for this position will be between $16.60 and $17.80 per hour. 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 95% premium paid 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-overview

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please describe your customer service philosophy in 3-5 sentences.

   (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

PI239777153

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