Student Financial Aid Specialist

University of North Florida Alumni Association • Jacksonville, FL

101d • $19

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist reviews, analyzes, and monitors student’s financial aid records which are used to determine students’ financial aid awards based on established eligibility criteria subject to internal and external audit. Also clarifies federal, state, and University rules, regulations, statutes, procedures, and policies to advise students and others including University faculty and staff. This position involves specialized capabilities and knowledge in the implementation and administration of financial aid in one or more of several federal and/or state program areas, including but not limited to: grants, loans, work study, student eligibility, and return to Title IV.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and focus on data processing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to use independent judgment and initiative.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate information.
• Basic interpersonal and team building skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal/state mandated audits of parent/student personal financial data.
• Evaluate students’ financial aid files against supporting documents to determine eligibility for awarding.
• Utilize professional judgement to determine resolutions required to resolve problems with Title IV funding.
• Process corrections utilizing institutional, federal, state and other agency resources to update and monitor the corrections.
• Advise, counsel, and inform students, parents, and staff about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, financial literacy, and College resources over the telephone, and through email.
• Carefully adhere to all department policies and procedures as translated from institutional, state, and federal guidelines and regulations, including FERPA.
• Assist students with the accurate completion of financial aid application documents and evaluate applicable supporting documentation.
• Communicate with students to resolve issues and discrepancies or make revisions in awards based on established criteria and guidelines.
• Discuss a variety of sensitive and confidential information with students and others as appropriate including parents, faculty, and staff.
• Interpret, review, understand, and apply department policies and procedures translated from complex regulations and policies governing all Title IV financial assistance and programs administered by the state and federal government.
• Complete analysis and reconciliation involving hours taken, income, and other variables to determine eligibility.
• Apply independent, professional judgement to review and analyze varied documentation, often of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, to make decisions regarding appeals, overrides, and eligibility based on an understanding of related federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Research and resolve problems including recommendation of appropriate solutions, corrective actions, and adjustments as needed for resolution.
• Resolve problems related to overpayments and incorrect disbursements based on established guidelines.
• Communicate tactfully while exercising extreme diplomacy, empathy, and compassion when dealing with sensitive information, challenging situations, difficult, and sometimes disgruntled individuals.
• Use appropriate strategies to diffuse tense situations and recognize when to make referrals to avoid escalation.
• Work in consultation with the Coordinator, as needed, for research, resolution, and de-escalation.
• Comply with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Process and perform other financial aid reports and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $19.16 Hourly compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree