Student Loan Borrower Advocate - Departmental Analyst 12Print ( Loan Borrower Advocate - Departmental Analyst 12Salary$60,424.00 - $88,316.80 AnnuallyLocationLansing, MIJob TypeLimited Term (position has expiration date)Remote EmploymentFlexible/HybridJob Number3291-24BK-MISA4DepartmentMichigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap)Opening Date10/23/2024Closing Date11/6/2024 5:00 PM EasternBargaining UnitNON-EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE (NERE)DescriptionBenefitsQuestionsJob DescriptionAt the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, we are laser-focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for Michiganders from preschool to postsecondary. From connecting more families with quality child care and prek programs to making it more affordable to earn a skill certificate or college degree, we are helping more people make it in Michigan.We can’t achieve this bold vision alone. We need talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to join our team. The MiLEAP team is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace that accepts, respects, and values the unique contributions of everyone. We are actively looking for individuals who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, and who reflect the communities we serve. Our team members are expected to ensure all persons are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Join us as we help build a brighter future for our state.MiLEAP was created by Governor Whitmer in July 2023 and is the newest department in the State of Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/MiLEAPto learn more about our work and consider applying to join a team working to make Michigan a better place to grow up, learn, live, work, and play.This position serves as the recognized resource for student loan borrower advocacy for the MI Student Aid Outreach team, which is in the Office of Higher Education at MiLEAP. This position will collaborate with state and federal departments to help more Michiganders cover costs associated with earning a skill certificate or degree. The Student Loan Borrower Advocate is focused on making college affordable for all prospective students and helping current student loan borrowers understand student loans and their rights and responsibilities as borrowers.This position is being filled as Limited Term. There is a possibility that it may become permanent, but that is not guaranteed.Position Description ( Loan Barrower Advocate PD.pdf)Required Education and ExperienceThis position generally requires possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and three years of professional experience. Specific information on the education and experience required for different class levels is in thejob specifications for the Departmental Analyst class. ( Requirements and InformationPlease attach your cover letter, resume, and OFFICIAL transcript to your application.This position requires a bachelor's degree and a bachelor's transcript must be attached for consideration.An official transcript must bear the college/university certification (e.g., seal, logo, watermark, and /or letterhead), Registrar's signature, and date.A transcript with these requirements, with the stamp "Issued to Student" is accepted as an official transcript. Unofficial transcripts will NOT be accepted. An unofficial transcript is: (1) an internet copy printed from the college/university student web account; (2) a transcript stamped with "Student Copy," and (3) a transcript that is labeled as "Unofficial." The official transcript must be scanned and attached to the electronic NEOGOV Civil Service application with one of the following file extensions: pdf, doc, docx, txt, or rft. Degree certificates are not accepted. When attaching transcripts, please name the college/university for each transcript attached.State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.More details on benefits for our new hires are below:Rewarding Work:State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.Insurance Benefits:The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at Programs:The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at and Sick Leave:Eligible full-time employees receive between15 and 35 personal daysand13 sick daysper year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.Paid Parental Leave:Eligible employees can take12 weeks of paid leaveimmediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.Paid Holidays:Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.Bonus Programs:Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.Military Pay Differential:Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.Tax-Advantaged Programs:In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.Student Loan Forgiveness:Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans.Information ( to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.Tuition Reduction:Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.Professional Development:To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.Alternative and Remote Work Schedules:Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.Great Lakes and Great Times:Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.Updated: 2/28/2401DEPTALT - Do you possess one of the following? A bachelor's degree or higher in any major. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts. OR at least one year of professional level experience in the state classified service. OR the Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time active-duty experience at or above the E-6 level in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement. Please attach a copy of your DD214.YesNo02DEPTALTA – Do you possess at least three years of professional experience?YesNo03How many years of experience do you have working with student financial aid programs?None to one yearOne to three yearsThree or more years04Briefly describe your experience working with student financial aid programs. If none, please put N/A.05How many years of experience do you have supporting college access and/or financial literacy initiatives?None to one yearOne to three yearsThree or more years06Briefly describe your experience supporting college access and/or financial literacy initiatives. If none, please put N/A.07How many years of experience do you have with public speaking?None to one yearOne to three yearsThree or more years08Briefly describe your experience with public speaking. If none, please put N/A.09Do you have professional experience and knowledge with student loan programs?YesNo10If yes, briefly describe your experience. If none, please put N/A.11Do you have experience with collecting, analyzing, and reporting data?YesNo12If yes, briefly describe your experience. If none, please put N/A.13Why do you want to work for the Office of Higher Education located in MiLEAP?14This position requires in-state travel. Do you have availability to travel evenings or weekend as needed for work related purposes?YesNo15Did you attach your cover letter, detailed resume, and transcript to your application? (failure to do so may result in your application being screened out).YesNoRequired QuestionAgencyState of MichiganDepartmentMichigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap) S. Pine Street, P.O. Box 30002Lansing, Michigan, 48909Phone(800) 788-1766ApplyPlease verify your email addressVerify Email