Hispanic & Latino Serving Financial Aid Specialist

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director of Financial Aid

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (This is a 12-month/full-time, professional position funded as part of a five-year, Department of Education grant.) The Hispanic & Latino Serving Financial Aid Specialist assists prospective and current Hispanic an Latino students with all aspects of the financial aid process (including translation when necessary) and serves as a liaison for Hispanic and Latino students from all WBU campuses as needed. In addition, the Hispanic & Latino Serving Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for reviewing financial aid applications, student/parent documents, and determining financial aid eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:

• In concert with Enrollment Coach/LaFamilia Outreach Specialist, offer FAFSA and related college-application sessions at high schools and other venues.
• Visit with Hispanic and Latino students who have questions and concerns about financial aid or scholarships.
• Follow-up with Hispanic and Latino campus visitors to ask if additional questions have come to mind and to offer follow-up services.
• Advise prospective Hispanic and Latino students and their families about costs, financial aid policies, procedures, programs, funding limitations, and options in a skillful, timely and professional manner by appropriate means.
• Keep in contact with returning Hispanic students in years 2-5 to ensure they continue to complete FAFSA, apply for scholarships, find on-campus or community work, etc.
• Analyze financial aid applications along with other confidential financial data to determine eligibility for student financial assistance from institutional, federal, state and other programs.
• Review and respond to special circumstance review requests.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations and policies, which requires extensive knowledge of current federal and state regulations and monitoring of federal legislation for changes to ensure institutional compliance.
• Work with Retention Data Specialist to implement software supporting awarding, disbursing, and tracking of endowment scholarships to students, as well as donor management.
• Attend national training/professional development activities.
• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Executive Director of Financial Aid.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Financial Aid.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required in finance, business, education, or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience with financial aid advising.

• Experience with PowerFAIDs preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of Hispanic culture.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be bilingual in Spanish and English (verbal and written). Literacy in other Latin languages (e.g. Portuguese) would be helpful.
• Ability to be a positive advocate for students and parents through outstanding customer service.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills.
• Ability to work with a team or independently.
• Intermediate level (or higher) skill with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Additional Requirements:

Must not be delinquent or have defaulted on any Federal Student Loans. A check of the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) will be conducted to insure the requirement is met.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.