Senior Financial Aid Specialist

Compensation

Job Description Summary

The Senior Financial Aid Specialist reviews, analyzes, reconciles, and determines the award of financial aid funds to students based on established eligibility criteria subject to internal and external audit. The Senior Financial Aid Specialist also clarifies federal, state, and College rules, regulations, statutes, procedures, and policies to advise students and others including college faculty and staff. This position involves specialized capabilities and knowledge in the 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, clock hour programs, student eligibility, and return to Title IV. The Senior Financial Aid Specialist possesses knowledge of college programs and resources and has a thorough understanding of applicable Financial Aid institutional, state, and federal guidelines and regulations.

Job Description

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Advises, counsels, and informs about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, financial literacy, and College resources.

• Carefully adheres to all department policies and procedures as translated from institutional, state, and federal guidelines and regulations, including FERPA, and participate in professional development on a continual basis to stay compliant.

• Assists students with the accurate completion of financial aid application documents and evaluate applicable supporting documentation.

• Meets with students to resolve issues and discrepancies or make revisions in awards based on established criteria and guidelines.

• Discusses a variety of sensitive and confidential information with students and others as appropriate including parents, faculty, and staff.

• Reviews, understands, and applies 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.  

• Completes analysis and reconciliations involving hours taken, income, and other variables to determine eligibility.

• Uses 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.

• Researches and resolves problems including recommendation of appropriate solutions, corrective actions, and adjustments as needed for resolution.

• Resolves problems related to overpayments and incorrect disbursements based on established guidelines.

• Communicates tactfully while exercising extreme diplomacy, empathy, and compassion when dealing with sensitive information, challenging situations, difficult, and sometimes disgruntled individuals.

• Uses appropriate strategies to diffuse tense situations and recognize when to make referrals to avoid escalation.

• Works in consultation with the coordinator, as needed, for research, resolution, and de-escalation.

• Conducts outreach events that promote Santa Fe College and general access to education by publicizing financial aid and financial literacy services to the community.

• May supervise the work of others.

• Complies 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.

• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal, and college regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: An associate's degree with four (4) years of related work experience or a combination of education and/or experience equal to six (6) years.

Preferred: A bachelor's degree with prior experience in financial aid, accounting, higher education, and/or IRS tax rules. Knowledgeable of Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP).
 

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.

• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.

• Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving - able to analy