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ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III

Program Specialist

Recruitment #18-002043-0014

Introduction

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual to fill the position of Administrative Specialist III (Program Specialist) in their Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). 

GRADE

12

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy Grasmick Education Building 6 N. Liberty Street, Ground Fl   Baltimore, Maryland  21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Administrative Specialist position is responsible for providing support for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) 20 plus financial aid programs for Maryland students. This position is responsible for a variety of duties ranging from the processing of applications, providing customer support, fielding incoming calls, responding to emails, processing a high volume of financial aid documents, and conducting document verification according to particular program guidelines. This position provides day-to-day program administration and subject matter expertise for the Legislative scholarship programs and the FAFSA Completion Initiative. These programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for regulation.

POSITION DUTIES

The Administrative Specialist is a member of the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and is primarily responsible for carrying out the day-to-day administration of the State’s legislative scholarship programs, FAFSA Completion Initiative, and the review/processing of various other financial aid duties. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

  • Coordinates financial aid appeal process and is point person for responding to student inquiries regarding appeals via phone and email. Reviews financial aid appeals and makes determinations regarding the outcome and provides timely responses to students regarding appeal decisions.
  • Administers the Unique Major program to include processing of applications and working with MHEC’s Academic Affairs division to provide students with information regarding their program eligibility.
  • The Administrative Specialist is the point person for the FAFSA Completion Initiative (FCI) program. He/she will provide timely responses to inquiring high school districts, non-profit organizations, and designated entities regarding FCI. The Administrative Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the process of providing approved organizations with access to participation in the FCI program.
  • Responsible for fielding calls and responding to e-mails from student, parents, and post-secondary institutions as they relate to more than 20 state-funded student financial aid programs.  These programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for administration and regulation.
  • Maintains on-line student records by updating inquiry and applicant files, inputting and verifying awards, and making changes to awards so that student records are current and accurate.
  • Responsible for performing award calculations and processes award letters ensuring the financial aid award is posted to the correct institution.
  • Respond to a high-volume and fast-paced operational setting that requires attention to detail and excellent customer service skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Completion of 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience in administrative or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute experience as defined above at the rate of one year experience for 30 credit hours of education for up to 60 credit hours of the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university for the required education and experience.

3. 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 education and experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired Qualifications:

  • The successful candidate will possess an associate’s degree or higher credential from an accredited college or university, and has experience working in a customer service/call center.
  • The successful candidate will also have experience working in a fast-paced operational environment, and is results driven. 
  • Applicants should possess leadership capabilities, financial aid experience with a strong background in verification, excellent customer service skills, experience managing projects with deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

EXAMINATION 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 employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

A Resume is Required with the online application and can be uploaded as an attachment under the Resume Tab of the online application.  Please combine all documents together as ONE attachment (resume, degree, etc.).  

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: 

Department of Budget & Management
301 W. Preston St, Suite 608
Baltimore, MD 21201

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please call 410-767-4850.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.A without  sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).   ​

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay




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