ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III

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

 

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

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 Guaranteed Access Grant scholarship program. 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 responsibilities of the Guaranteed Access Grant and other financial aid programs. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

• This position serves as a lead to the administration of the Guaranteed Access Grant scholarship program on a daily basis.  This and all other state programs are created by legislation and assigned to the Maryland Higher Education Commission/Office of Student Financial Assistance for regulation.
• Analyzes and processes a variety of documents related to determining program eligibility for the Guaranteed Access Grant. This may include such documents as applications, enrollment certification, high school transcripts, and other supporting documentation. Performs verification on selected files according to established rules and regulations outlined under Title IV financial aid. Analysis and processing must be in compliance with State law and Commission policies.
• Assist in the administration of the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship program and determining program eligibility.
• Responsible for fielding calls and responding to e-mails from students, 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 based on the students’ eligibility.
• 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: 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 Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess:

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

Limited to current employees of the Maryland Higher Education Commission

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.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

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 and supplemental questionnaire to:     

Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street Room 608

Baltimore, MD  21201

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.     

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

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.

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