PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The Direct Loan Specialist is responsible for processing Federal and private loans for the graduate, professional, and undergraduate populations at Howard University according to Federal regulations and Financial Aid Office procedures.
• The Direct Loan Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day production of a high volume of student and parent loan.
• This position coordinates with Financial Aid staff to determine loan eligibility and communicates with other campus departments; lenders; guarantee agencies and loan servicers.
• The Direct Loan Specialist works as a member of the loan team.
• Perform automatic and manual loan processing functions for Federal and private educational loan programs accurately and in a timely manner according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• Perform weekly, monthly, and annual reconciliation of loan awards and disbursements according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• This includes but is not limited to: reviewing and correcting lists of rejected loans, loans pending certification, credit denial reports, disbursement discrepancies between Workday and COD, award discrepancies between Workday and COD, students missing necessary loan paperwork, and loans pending disbursements; reviewing and completing reports generated by the Department of Education, Howard University, the Financial Aid office, lenders, servicers, or disbursing agents.
• Communicate efficiently, accurately, and expeditiously with all necessary parties regarding loan processing according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as needed based on regulatory or procedural changes.
• This includes but is not limited to training new staff members; assisting with loan presentations; and working with other departments within Enrollment Management to ensure student loans are processed in a timely manner.
• This position coordinates with Financial Aid staff, communicates with other on campus departments, as well as off campus organizations to ensure the efficient, accurate, and effective processing of loans.
• Understanding of how to use a wide variety of computer systems and databases.
• Detail oriented, be able to work quickly and accurately, have effective communication skills and be able to handle a high-volume work environment.
• Knowledge of Federal regulations, ELM, and COD.
• Exercise great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environment.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Human Resources Management and Training: 25%

Data Management: 20%

Administrative Functions: 35%

Customer Service/Outreach/Engagement: 20%

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of experience in financial aid (or a related area), with increasingly degrees of difficulty and demonstrated competencies. Knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations. Highly effective oral and written communication skills. Excellent mathematical and analytical skills as well as computer proficiency. Demonstrated understanding of the general operation of the financial aid office in an enrollment management setting. Ability to travel and work evenings, and other times as deemed necessary for overall operations of the Financial Aid office. Ability to work effectively under stressful situations and still maintain a cordial, positive, and professional demeanor. Collaborative and student/customer oriented. Proactive, with strong problem-solving skills. Leadership and organizational skills. Ability to train and supervise clerical staff and student workers. Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively with frequent interruptions. Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity and diversity/multicultural issues.