Financial Aid Processing Specialist

We offer competitive pay with a beginning salary of $37,056 commensurate with education and experience exceed the required qualifications, plus an attractive total rewards package including:

• Flexible work options with a 37.5 hour work week and generous paid time off (holidays, annual and sick leave, and College Breaks)
• A variety of paid health, dental, and life insurance coverages
• Wellness incentives and free gym membership at the Raider Fitness Center
• FRS retirement and other options
• Professional Development and Paid Tuition
• Free on campus parking, Lynx bus service

DESCRIPTION:
The Financial Aid Processing Specialist is a member of the centralized processing team responsible for awarding Federal, State and local funds to eligible students. Processes federal aid (Direct Loans, Pell and SEOG Grants) and private student loans, while ensuring compliance with local, State and Federal regulations. Offers face to face support to students and functional system support to the Financial Aid department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Resolves federal aid issues including eligibility, award calculation, timely communication and disbursements.
2. Adheres to established Financial Aid processing schedule and assists with weekly federal aid program reconciliation and disbursements.
3. Processes private and Parent PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student) loans; calculates student loan awards in compliance with aggregate loan limits and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
4. Provides accurate and current financial aid information to walk-in students in response to their questions and concerns about Financial Aid/Student Loans and Pell Grants disbursement status and assists with loan exit counseling information.
5. Acts as an internal liaison between Business Services and Financial Aid to document required modifications to successfully deliver federal aid to eligible students.
6. Identifies loan disbursement challenges related to software, process design, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) updates and escalates technical problems to the college’s internal Computing and Telecom Services (CTS).
7. Provides functional support to CTS about required PeopleSoft reports and detects when ad hoc queries are necessary, and tests those queries.
8. Analyzes the results of multiple queries to ensure timely processing of federal aid.
9. Participates in the cyclical PeopleSoft processes to upgrade, test, and maintain the Student Financials component.
10. Provides input to refine internal procedures and standards to ensure the College’s compliance with federal program requirements.
11. Participates in departmental cross-training and acts as processing team back-up.
12. Provides exemplary customer service to all constituents and maintains confidentiality of student records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), state law and college policies.
13. Performs all site and position specific responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Associate’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
2. Two (2) years of experience with Federal aid programs, preferably in a state or community college environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Three (3) or more years of experience with Federal aid programs, preferably in a state or community college environment, as it relates to COD and NSLDS.
2. Experience using Financial Aid software packages, specifically related to PeopleSoft.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Current knowledge of state and federal regulations relating to financial aid.
2. Ability to navigate the federal COD and NSLDS systems.
3. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills and ability to perform detailed work.
4. Ability to treat confidential student information with sensitivity.
5. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability.
6. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
7. Ability to exhibit a professional, courteous demeanor and interact effectively with various constituents, especially students.
8. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex problems.
9. Demonstrated skills as a collaborative member in a team environment.
10. Familiarity with web-based application systems such as PeopleSoft.
11. Excellent MS Office skills (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
12. Ability to multitask and prioritize with minimal supervision.
13. Committed to working in a multi-cultural environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Works inside an office environment.
2. May be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends during peak enrollment/registration periods.

This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

This position is eligible for Veteran’s Preference.

Conditions of Employment:

Finalists and individuals recommended for employment at Seminole State College must reside in the State of Florida at the time of hire and may be subject to background investigations and fingerprinting in compliance with Florida Statute 1001.64; and Seminole State College Policy 1.020; 2.020. Criminal background checks and fingerprinting will be conducted for all new employees, and for rehired employees who have had a break in service for one year or more. The Office of Human Resources will determine which background checks shall be conducted for each position, based upon its review of job descriptions and the responsibilities of the position. These include, but are not limited to, positions that have access to money, master keys, security-sensitive areas and confidential information; positions that have the capability to create, delete, and alter records; and positions that are responsible for the care and instruction of children. The College will conduct various types of background checks which may include, but are not limited to: criminal background, credit check, driver's license check, previous employment and references.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $37,056.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your desired salary?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Financial Aid software, such as Peoplesoft: 1 year (Preferred)
• Federal aid programs, preferably at a college: 2 years (Required)
• Federal aid programs, such as COD and NSLDS: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sanford, FL 32773: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,056