Senior Application Processor

Do you have a passion for children and education? Would you like to positively impact families in need of help? We want to speak with you!

Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.

Step Up For Students offers an excellent benefits package:

SUFS Total Rewards

Medical - HSA/FSA - Dental - Vision
Company Paid Disability - Life Insurance
401K Match - Tuition Reimbursement
Generous Time off Policy - Professional Development


JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Application Processor is a highly experienced processing professional and subject matter expert responsible for managing complex, high-risk, and non-standard applications. This role ensures applications are processed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory, investor, and internal policy requirements. The Senior Application Processor serves as a technical leader, mentor, and quality champion within the processing organization, bridging frontline execution and management support.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
◦ Independently manage complex, or exception-based applications from intake through approval.
◦ Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including workflow redesign, documentation updates, and automation opportunities.
◦ Analyze and validate complex documentation, income, assets, credit, and third-party verifications.
◦ Oversee user acceptance testing (UAT), defect validation, and operational readiness for technology releases.
◦ Serve as a go-to resource for processing guidelines, systems, and workflow questions from level 1 agents.
◦ Collaborate with technical teams on the development and enhancement of system tools, including automation features and reporting dashboards.
◦ Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring system or data integrity issues and implement scalable corrective actions.
◦ Assist in the creation and refinement of business rules for eligibility verification and application routing logic.
◦ Partner with Program, Compliance, Data, IT, and Customer Support teams to ensure consistent understanding of guidelines, workflows, and requirements.
◦ Assist with the documentation of technical workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and system guides for team use.
◦ Lead or support internal audits and data quality reviews; provide guidance to junior staff in applying best practices.
◦ Support and partnership with external vendors as necessary
◦ Provide onboarding support, technical training, and process guidance to Level 1 team members.
◦ Collaborate cross-functionally with compliance, IT, and program teams to align processes with strategic goals.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED:
◦ 3–5 years of application processing experience or equivalent experience.
◦ Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
◦ Advanced knowledge of documentation, underwriting guidelines, or policy frameworks.
PREFERRED:
◦ Associates degree preferred but not required.
◦ Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
KEY COMPETENCIES
◦ Demonstrates expertise in reviewing and validating documentation for regulatory compliance.
◦ Strong technical proficiency with internal databases, application processing systems, and decision-support tools.
◦ Experience leading or supporting system testing, issue resolution, and process mapping initiatives.
◦ Ability to mentor junior staff and support cross-functional initiatives.
◦ Advanced Excel skills and experience with data analysis/reporting tools preferred.
◦ Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
CORE VALUES
Step Up For Students believes strongly in two key core values to carry out their mission of “We empower families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.”:
◦ Everyone is an asset.
◦ Every event is an improvement opportunity.
To maintain a positive and effective organizational culture, employees are expected to demonstrate these two core values in their everyday work.
WORKING CONDITIONS & EQUIPMENT USE
◦ Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
◦ Valid driver license with proof of insurance.
◦ Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.
◦ Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer.


Step Up For Students is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity & inclusion in the workplace.