Student Finance Representative, Verification Specialist

Who We Are:

 

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and asks how do we become more “student ready” so that we may better serve our students. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our community works hard in the service of students and supports one another like a family. 

 

What We Offer:

 

At National Louis University we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Benefits.

 

What You Will Do:

 

This position acts as a part of the financial aid team, importing FAFSA information from the Department of Education, performing verification, and exercising professional judgment. Resolves C flag issues on ISIRs and analyzes NSLDS to determine aggregate loan amounts. Performs verification review and follow-up. Exercises professional judgment on a case-by-case student basis. Submits FAFSA corrections to clear issues and conflicts. Awards the TEACH grant and ensures that students meet the eligibility criteria. Serves as backup financial aid packager.

• Review completeness and accuracy of student financial aid files, including ensuring all required forms are submitted and  review all information to determine changes or updates required. Review and approve student financial aid appeals. Communicate any required updates to students when necessary. Review regulations and work with management team to implement any changes required. Performs outreach to students to assist in resolving and missing financial aid documents needed to complete the verification process
• Electronically imports FAFSA data from Dept. of Ed and resolves any issues, including loading of files, matching data, and resolving conflicting information.
• Manage TEACH Grant awarding. Review student applications, determine eligibility for grant, communicate required service obligation information to students. Review eligibility each term and check Dept. of Ed financial aid systems to ensure students do not exceed annual or aggregate award amounts.
• Analyzes federal student loan database information to determine aggregate amount of loans, amount of outstanding Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, and compares the analysis with consolidated loan information. Analyzes aggregate totals, canceled loans and returned funds to determine any over-awarded loans or grants, bankruptcy, or defaults. Trains on use of NSLDS for packaging and determining overawarded loans or grants.
• Serves as a back-up to award financial when needed, preparing financial aid awards and ensuring they meet federal, state and institutional regulations.

• High School Diploma/GED plus significant related work experience required. Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience
• Customer Focus - Personally demonstrates that external (or internal) customers are a high priority. Identifies customer needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and inquires about customer satisfaction with products or services.
• Flexibility - Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.
• Problem Solving - Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems. When problems occur, defines those problems, investigates obstacles, gathers relevant information, decides whether solving the problem should be a group decision, generates and analyzes alternate solutions and arrives at a workable solution.
• Quality of Work - Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards

NLU Inclusion Statement:

 

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Please Include the following along with your application:
- Resume (Required)
- Cover Letter (Optional)
NLU Employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form