Loan Specialist - UT Chattanooga

The Loan Specialist I performs operational and administrative functions supporting the delivery of student financial aid, with primary responsibility for routine student loan processing, student communication, record maintenance, and assigned financial aid operations. This position applies established federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures to ensure accurate, timely, and student-centered are met. The position independently manages routine assignments after appropriate training, monitors assigned processing activities, identifies and resolves common discrepancies, and refers complex or unusual situations to the appropriate Financial Aid professional. The Loan Specialist I serves as an initial point of contact for students and families seeking assistance with student loan requirements and financial aid processes.

The position also supports the Associate Director with private education loan processing, including reviewing documentation, monitoring loan certification requests, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with communication and follow-up with students and lenders. Prior financial aid experience is not required. The position is designed to provide training and progressively increasing responsibility while maintaining appropriate oversight for regulatory interpretation, complex eligibility determinations, and exceptions to established procedures.

Loan Processing and Operational Support

• Processes routine Federal Direct Loan transactions and other applicable student loan programs in accordance with established procedures and applicable requirements.
• Reviews and processes loan acceptances, reductions, cancellations, and adjustments within assigned authority.
• Supports the Associate Director with private education loan processing, including reviewing certification requests, verifying required information, maintaining documentation, and monitoring requests through completion.
• Assists with communication and follow-up with students, lenders, and other appropriate parties regarding private education loan requirements and processing status.
• Enters, updates, and maintains accurate loan information in the University's student information and financial aid systems.
• Monitors assigned loan processing and disbursement activities and follows up on outstanding requirements or unresolved items.
• Reviews student records for required loan documentation and resolves routine discrepancies using established procedures.
• Identifies processing issues, determines appropriate next steps within assigned responsibilities, and escalates complex cases as needed.
• Maintains working knowledge of loan processing timelines, documentation requirements, and applicable office procedures.
• Assists with implementing procedural updates and communicating changes affecting assigned loan functions.

Student Service and Communication

• Serves as an initial point of contact for students and families with questions regarding student loans, required documentation, and related financial aid processes.
• Provides accurate, timely, and professional assistance by telephone, email, in person, and through approved communication channels.
• Explains routine loan requirements, application steps, and available resources in clear, student-friendly language.
• Reviews student records to help identify outstanding requirements and provides appropriate instructions for resolution.
• Follows up on student inquiries and assigned cases to support timely resolution.
• Recognizes situations requiring regulatory interpretation, professional judgment, or additional review and refers them to the appropriate staff.

• Maintains professional and confidential communication while supporting a positive student experience.

Record Maintenance and Quality Assurance

• Maintains accurate electronic records and supporting documentation in accordance with university procedures and applicable requirements.
• Conducts routine reviews of student records and loan transactions to identify missing documentation, inconsistencies, or processing errors.
• Performs assigned quality-control reviews and corrects routine errors within established procedures.
• Maintains organized electronic and physical records to support efficient processing, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Protects confidential student information and follows FERPA, information security standards, and University policies.

• Reports recurring discrepancies or procedural concerns to the appropriate supervisor and assists with corrective actions.

Reconciliation, System Monitoring, and Reporting Support

• Performs assigned routine reconciliation activities involving loan records, transactions, and applicable financial aid systems.
• Reviews assigned system outputs, including Automic processing reports, to identify errors, exceptions, or items requiring follow-up.
• Research routine discrepancies and takes appropriate action within established procedures.
• Maintains documentation of completed reviews, identified issues, and corrective actions as required.
• Assists with gathering records and supporting documentation for audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews.

• Refers unresolved discrepancies, unusual transactions, and potential compliance concerns to the appropriate Financial Aid professional.

Competencies:

Abilities

• Learn and consistently apply established procedures within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Independently complete routine assignments after appropriate training.
• Manage multiple assignments and prioritize work according to deadlines and operational needs.
• Research and resolve common processing issues using available resources and established procedures.
• Recognize when an issue requires additional review, regulatory interpretation, or supervisory guidance.
• Maintain accurate documentation and protect confidential information.
• Adapt to procedural and system changes while maintaining service and accuracy standards.

• Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient operations and continuous improvement.

Preferred knowledge and skills

Knowledge of general office procedures, customer service practices, and recordkeeping principles. Ability to learn and apply student loan requirements, financial aid policies, and institutional procedures. Basic understanding of data accuracy, documentation, and confidentiality requirements.

Accurate data entry and record review. Written and verbal communication. Customer service and problem resolution. Organization, time management, and follow-through. Basic computer, database, and administrative system skills. Attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies. Ability to document work and communicate issues clearly.

Application Review

Review of applications will begin 11/19/26 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Required:

Associate's degree or equivalent. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to provide professional, responsive, and courteous customer service. Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn administrative software, databases, and student information systems. Ability to review information for accuracy, identify routine discrepancies, and maintain detailed records.

Organize assignments, prioritize competing tasks, and meet established deadlines. Follow established policies and procedures while recognizing when guidance or escalation is needed. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information appropriately. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks after training and contribute effectively to a team. Prior financial aid experience is not required.

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Experience in customer service, administrative support, student services, or a related office environment. Experience using Microsoft Office applications and electronic document management systems and working with databases, information systems, or electronic forms. Reviewing records for completeness and accuracy and handling confidential information in accordance with established procedures.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT Market Range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring salary: $41,000 - $43,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure
• Find more information on UT Benefits

About Us

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.