Job Description Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for processing student files and is subject to internal and external audit scrutiny. This position specializes in either the verification or packaging of student files by reconciling discrepancies, verifying eligibility for awards, sending notices to students, and updating related awards. The 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 students, parents, and staff about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, financial literacy, and College resources in person, over the telephone, and through email.

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

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

• Researches and resolves problems related to discrepancies in application documents.

• Verifies files for high school and college transcripts.

• Reviews student files and transcripts ensuring accuracy and eligibility standards are upheld.

• Sends verification requests to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine citizenship status.

• Uses discretion, based on established federal guidelines regarding eligibility, to reconcile, complete, and award student files.

• Prepares awards for disbursement by the Office for Finance.

• Reviews and resolves errors in the disbursement process.

• Utilizes complex computer programs, both internal and external, for reporting, tracking, and monitoring and to process, record, retrieve, and verify statistical data.

• 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.

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

• 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: A high school diploma or equivalent with four (4) years of related work experience or a combination of completed education and/or related work experience equal to four (4) years.
Preferred: An associate degree with prior experience/understanding of areas in financial aid, accounting, higher education, or IRS tax rules. Prior experience in Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP). Database management skills.

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.

• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.

• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.

• Customer Service – ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.

• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.

• Organization & Ti