S&G Program Funds Specialist II

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OUR MISSION

The mission of the Georgia Student Finance Commission is to promote and increase access to education beyond high school for Georgians. To achieve this mission the commission administers state and lottery-funded student financial aid programs including the HOPE Scholarship and HOPE Grant and provides college planning and other educational services to more than 2 million Georgians through GAfutures.org. The commission seeks to improve its own operations and inform policymakers and other stakeholders through analysis, interpretation and publication of information using the extensive data collected in support of its programs.

WE OFFER

We offer excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays, 3 weeks annual + 3 weeks sick leave per year, health/life/disability benefits after 30 days, employer 401k match, medical/childcare spending account options, and deferred compensation plan. Our standard business hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. We also offer employee recognition and a great place to work! Our office is conveniently located in Tucker only 2 minutes from I-285.

DESCRIPTION

GSFC’s Program Administration Division is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Program Funds Specialist. This position is located at GSFC’s Tucker, GA Office with an option for a hybrid work schedule.

With moderate supervision, the position is responsible for performing specialized tasks to support the awarding and disbursing of scholarship, grant and loan program funds.  The specialist is responsible for processing applications and eligibility documentation and determining accuracy of data.  Responsible for completing forms and records.  Responsible for determining basic application eligibility and awards for specific state aid programs. This position assists eligible postsecondary institutions with program invoices, disbursements and reconciliations.  Perform quality control review processes pertaining to program funds and totals.  Acts as the subject matter expert for area of responsibility. 

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the state and lottery funded scholarship, grant and loan program regulations, policies, procedures, and systems.
• Manage the organization of the scanning, storing and processing of applications, documents and forms from students and institutions. 
• Review applications and documentation for determining eligibility and communicating with students and institutions. 
• Use critical thinking abilities and knowledge of system logic to process program applications and documents and to assist institutions or students with routine questions for application processing, system processing and invoicing rejects.
• Assist with invoices, disbursements, term reconciliation and year-end reconciliation. 
• Offers initial review and determination of eligibility in relation to standard requests for invoice payments.
• Regularly provide assistance and information through email and phone communication with internal and external partners.
• Assist Contact Center staff with phone calls and inquiries during peak times.
• Regularly review website, program materials, and applications to ensure data is up-to-date and accurate.
• Assist Senior Program Manager with reporting of state and lottery funded scholarship and grant programs activity.
• Consistently evaluate processes and data output and make recommendations for enhancements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The following standards express the background of education and experience as evidence of an applicant’s ability to qualify for this class title. Any combination of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify an applicant for a position within this class.

• Associate degree in business or related field from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment. Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.

• At least two years of directly related experience, working at or with postsecondary institutions in relation to state and/or lottery funded scholarship and/or grant programs or other related professional environment.
• Proficiency in products and services supported by GSFC’s programs and systems.
• Proven demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment and is able to adapt to challenging situations.
• Ability to use critical thinking abilities and program/system knowledge to independently and constructively resolve issues.
• Strong customer service skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior experience reading, understanding, applying regulations.
• Exhibits high organizational and time management skill, punctuality, commitment to work schedule and team goals.
• Experience with phone system, document upload system, scanning program and database system. Experience with PC based applications: MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• More than 2 years experience with state or lottery funded programs.
• Proven proficiency with GSFC’s internal and external systems, including GSFAPP, GAfutures, Postsecondary Functions, Oracle system.

All selected applicants may be subject to a criminal background investigation and the highest level of education indicated will be verified before final approval to begin work. Applicants have the right to challenge the contents of any criminal history record obtained for the purpose of employment with GSFC.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

Note: This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.