About the Department:     

The mission of the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is to offer services and programs to students through awards funded from federal, state and private organizations. The primary mission of the Office is to provide eligible students with funds to finance and complete their education within the boundaries of federal, state and university regulations. The focus of the Office is to help students develop an understanding of the need to be proactive consumers of educational opportunities at George Mason University.

About the Position:

This position will report to the Verification Coordinator, with collecting and processing documentation required for students selected for verification in accordance with federal regulations, reporting, documentation, and administrative support.  They will assist the Financial Aid processing team with daily duties as needed. The Verification Specialist will need to complete FERPA training and assist with other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Performs daily tasks and projects that has been assigned;
• Assists the Verification Coordinator with projects that are required;
• Provides assistance in sensitive reporting, documentation and administrative support;
• Assists Financial Aid Processing team as needed;
• Collects and process documentation required for students selected for verification in accordance with federal regulations;
• Obtains additional documentation if conflicting information is identified;
• Notifies students via email regarding outstanding requirements/conflicting information;
• Manages financial aid inquiries via Salesforce in an efficient and timely manner;
• Inputs data into Ellucian Banner;
• Serves as point of contact between the Verification team and MSSC;
• Front-Desk Services Duties include responding to instant message inquiries/questions from both MSSC front-desk staff, student, and parents;
• Catalogs and indexes documents via ApplicationXtender;
• Checks case status using the Department of Homeland Security;
• Works with the SAVE system;
• Assists with processing reports;
• Processes and downloads verification documents that come in through Dynamic Forms;
• The selected candidate will be given training and access to appropriate Mason systems and must be able to handle confidential information and data as per Mason's policies; and
• Current Mason students are not eligible to receive access to some of these systems and therefore cannot be considered for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma/GED, or a combination of equivalent education and experience, and a willingness to learn;
• Prior experience working in an administrative setting;
• Knowledge of internet and software applications including Microsoft Office products;
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing customer service.  This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction;
• Ability to edit correspondence for grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone;
• Effective oral and written communication;
• Ability to effectively complete work and multi-task with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to effectively interpret policy, procedures and best practices;
• Ability to maintain moderately complex records;
• Follow verbal and written instructions while working under pressure to meet deadlines;
• Helps to resolve problems and complaints with internal and external customers; 
• Understands and can interpret policy and procedures;
• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor at all times and is expected to show initiative, attention to details, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to be detail oriented and manage competing priorities; and
• Comfortable working with a culturally and ethnically diverse population and possess exceptional cross-cultural communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education institutions;
• Knowledge and /or experience with Ellucian Banner, CampusLogic, Dynamic Forms and Salesforce;
• Skill in operation standard office equipment and computers; and 
• Working knowledge of Windows Operation System. 

Instructions for Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Verification Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 15, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  December 9, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  Yes