Financial Aid Program Specialist II

Heidelberg University is seeking to fill the position of Financial Aid Program Specialist II. The Financial Aid Program Specialist II is responsible for the administration of student eligibility determination, financial aid awarding, verification, and institutional, state, and federal aid programs. This position serves as a key member of the Financial Aid team and is responsible for reviewing student eligibility, administering the verification process, awarding institutional and endowed scholarships, processing state grant programs, evaluating satisfactory academic progress, and assisting students and families with financial aid planning. The Financial Aid Program Specialist II works closely with students, families, campus partners, and external agencies to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of financial assistance while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Financial Aid Program Specialist II reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid. **Essential Duties and Responsibilities:** **Financial Aid Awarding and Packaging** - Review student eligibility and prepare, package, and revise financial aid awards in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. - Monitor and review financial aid awarding processes for prospective, continuing, transfer, and graduate student. - Review and adjust awards based on changes in enrollment, eligibility, funding availability, and regulatory requirements. - Administer packaging for specialized programs such as Study Abroad, Summer term, and Nursing. - Assist with development, testing, and implementation of annual awarding strategies and packaging models. - Monitor awarding activity to ensure timely communication of financial aid offers to students and families. - Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus offices to support enrollment and retention initiatives. **Verification and Student Eligibility** - Administer the federal verification process, including review of documentation, resolution of conflicting information, and determination of aid eligibility. - Review FAFSA data and supporting documentation to determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. - Communicate with students and families regarding eligibility requirements, missing documentation, and financial aid processes. - Review and process special circumstance, professional judgment, and dependency override requests in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies. - Maintain accurate student records and supporting documentation in compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. - Assist students in resolving aid eligibility issues and completing required documentation **State, Institutional and Endowed Aid Administration** - Administer state grant programs and monitor student eligibility requirements. - Coordinate the awarding and reconciliation of institutional grants and scholarships. - Administer endowed scholarship selection and awarding processes in accordance with donor restrictions and institutional policies. - Maintain accurate records and reporting related to institutional, endowed, and state-funded aid programs. - Administer annual scholarship and endowment review and awarding processes. **Student Financial Aid Counseling** - Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financial planning, and available funding resources. - Provide guidance regarding special circumstances, appeals, and financial aid options. - Support enrollment and retention initiatives through proactive outreach and counseling. - Collaborate with campus partners to promote student success and financial wellness. **Compliance and Program Administration** - Assist in maintaining compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accreditor regulations. - Support the Director of Financial Aid with audits, program r…