Student Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist

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.

Job Function :

• Perform federal / state mandated audits of parent / student personal financial data. Evaluates students' financial aid files against supporting documents to determine eligibility for awarding. Utilizes 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, and participate in professional development on a continual basis to stay compliant.
• 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 (determination) 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.
• During declared campus emergencies, this position may be required to perform specific job related duties at a designated off campus location or place of residence.

Marginal Functions :

Departmental Requirements :

Supervision Exercised : This position is non-supervisory.

Supervision Received : The incumbent develops procedures for performing a variety of complex duties within established guidelines; has considerable freedom while the work is in process and receives instructions on new assignments.

Required Qualifications : Bachelor's degree or a high school diploma and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

Statement(s) of Understanding : This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the university's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a "Responsible Employee" pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University's Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator.

The University of North Florida is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University's collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF's mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.