Financial Aid Awarding Specialist (Hybrid) - Student Financial Services
Wash U · Washington University Danforth Campus · Posted 2026-08-20
Job description
Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63130 Scheduled Hours 37.5 Position Summary Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations and Training, the Financial Aid Awarding Specialist is responsible for providing financial aid counseling to prospective and current students in the school of Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS). The role will be responsible for awarding all aid to both undergraduate and graduate students within CAPS and will also serve as the primary contact for aiding students in our Prison Education Program. The position requires the specialist to work closely with CAPS to actively support the department and their student recruitment and retention goals. Job Description Primary Duties & Responsibilities: • Manages the complete financial aid lifecycle for all undergraduate and graduate students within the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS). • Evaluates financial aid applications and accurately awards federal, state and any institutional aid in strict compliance with regulations and institutional policy. • Exercises professional judgement to evaluate unique student financial circumstances, ensuring equitable consideration for non-traditional learners. • Maintains meticulous student records to meet the needs of federal, state and university auditors. • • Serves as primary point of contact for prospective and current CAPS students to help answer questions regarding the financial aid and other payment process • Represents SFS and CAPS at University events, recruitment visits and orientations to promote financial transparency • Stays current on evolving financial aid regulations through active participation in professional associations and training opportunities. • Collaborate with Accounting Services to manage written off accounts, including preparing internal reports for tracking purposes. • Reconcile payments, tuition, and fees. • Assist students with student billing questions and account inquiries. • Analyze student accounts and determine whether a refund should be issued in accordance with university policies and procedures. • • Functions as the primary, dedicated financial aid contact coordinator for the WashU Prison Education Program. • Partners closely with the CAPS Prison Education Program team to focus on FAFSA completion and Pell awarding to provide consistent support to this unique student population. • • Collaborates with the CAPS team to ensure the written CAPS financial aid policies are clear and the financial aid strategies actively support departmental student recruitment and retention goals. • Professional Development and other duties. • Participates in professional associations and trainings to stay current on evolving regulations and performs other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: Job Location/Working ConditionsNormal Office EnvironmentAs conditions merit, this position may be required to work remotely. Travel and attendance at events on and off campus is necessary. Work outside of normal business hours is necessary throughout the year. Physical EffortTypically Sitting at a desk or tableEquipmentOffice EquipmentThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position. Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years) Skills: Not Applicable Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position. More About This Job Preferred Qualifications • PowerFAIDs • Workday • Experience in a Financial Aid Office Preferred Qualifications Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting. Skills: Collaboration, Customer Service, Data Confidentiality, Deadline Adherence, Detail-Oriented, Financial Aid Administration, Microsoft Office, Network Operating Systems, Oral Communications, Organizing, Problem Solving, Sensitive Information, Task Management, Time Management, Working Independently, Written Communication Grade G10 Salary Range $49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget. Questions For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ . Accommodation If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Pre-Employment Screening All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification,