ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II

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

11

Nancy Grasmick Education Building

6 N. Liberty Street, Ground Floor

Baltimore, Maryland  21201

The Administrative Specialist position is responsible for providing support for the Office of Student Financial Assistance's (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 MD Community College Promise Scholarship program and other need-based grant scholarship programs. These programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for regulation.

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 Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, assist with administering the Guaranteed Access Grant Program, and other need-based aid programs, as well as other various financial aid duties. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

• Reviews and processes a variety of documents related to the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship program and makes determinations regarding the outcome and provides timely responses to students regarding appeal decisions.
• Assist in the Administration of the Guaranteed Access Grant Program and other need-based aid programs to include processing of applications to provide students with information regarding their program eligibility.
• 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.

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

Experience: One year of experience in administrative or professional work.

Notes:

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

2. Candidates may substitute 90 credit hours at 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 Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will possess an associate’s degree or higher credential from an accredited college or university.
•  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.

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.

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.

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

For inquiries regarding this recruitment, please call 410-767-4850.

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

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division   

301 W. Preston Street   Room 608

Baltimore, MD   21201

Recruitment #18-001756-0071

 

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.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

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

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