(CASUAL) Financial Aid Specialist chez University of Hawaii, HI

About the Department

*** Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University of Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular Board of Regents (BOR) and Civil Service employees (i.e. paid holidays/leave). Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for part-time employees.

Title:                                     (CASUAL) Financial Aid Specialist

Hiring Unit:                          Student Affairs/Financial Aid Office

Position:                               ***Casual Hire***

Location:                              UH Hilo

Date Posted:                        September 14, 2025

Closing Date:                       September 19, 2025

Salary:                                  $25.72 /hour

Full time/Part time:              Full time

Temporary/Permanent:       Temporary

Other Conditions:   Casual Hire temporary appointment is expected begin September 2025 or soon thereafter.  Not to exceed 89 days.  

Duties: 

1. Perform in depth evaluation and verification of financial aid applications ensuring that applications are complete and accurate in accordance with applicable regulations.
2. Determine Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid eligibility. Utilize and interpret STAR Degree Report for Advisors when needed.
3. Effectively utilize Federal electronic programs such as NSLDS, COD and FSA Partner Connect to determine Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage and Loan Eligibility.
4. Coordinates communications with students and potential students via email, Chatbot, social media and other communication outlets to increase FAFSA application and completion.
5. Manage documents received by the office by ensuring accuracy, verifying completion and that the appropriate action is taken on each document received.
6. Manage email communication for the office and ensure email inquiries are answered in a timely and accurate manner.
7. Supervise, train and evaluate student assistant’s performance when needed.
8. Counsel students on all financial aid programs and on specifics related to their financial aid awards.
9. Manage and ensure electronic storage of financial aid documents to Onbase, UH?s document imaging system.
10. Manage and record receipt of all scholarship and loan checks received by the office. Ensure eligibility based on requirements provided by the scholarship committees and loan servicers. Recalculate financial aid award if necessary.
11. Maintain current knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs by attending and completing training via webinars, workshops and federal training sites.
12. Interpret and apply Federal and State laws, rules and regulations in order to determine appropriate use of judgment.
13. Assist students and parents regarding the financial aid process and respond to inquiries.
14. Advise and refer students to services offered by UH Hilo when appropriate.
15. Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in any field
2. Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the field of financial aid demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
3. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with the field of financial aid.
4. Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the Financial Aid Office.
5. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations. 
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. One year of experience in providing financial aid, educational services, counseling, or other assistance to students and student groups including experience with minority or disadvantaged groups.
2. Prior work experience in a university financial aid office.
3. Prior experience using the Banner Student Information System and Federal Financial Aid Information System such as Edconnect, COD, CPS, and NSLDS.
4. Demonstrated experience providing financial aid assistance to graduate level students in a Professional School.
5. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex financial aid problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic.

To Apply: 

Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach each required document.  A complete application must include: 

1. Cover letter explaining how qualifications are met
2. Resume
3. Names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three professional references
4. Transcript(s) showing degrees and course work appropriate to the position (copies are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required prior to employment).  

Please do not include any self-identifying photos.  Please redact references to Social Security number and birthdates on transcript copies.  All requested documents/information will become the property of the University.   All minimum qualifications must be met by the hire date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Failure to submit all required documents and reference information shall deem an application to be incomplete.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Kolby Santiago, [email protected]

Please refer to the Financial Aid Specialist Casual Hire when making inquiries.

Position Duties

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
  
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/