Job Description
Job Title: Student Financial Specialist, Pell Location: Tallahassee, FL Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 62612 Department Office of Financial Aid Responsibilities The Office of Admissions is a unit within the Division of Enrollment Management, which is comprised of four distinct units: Office of Admissions, Office of the University Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, and Technology Operations. Enrollment Management’s integrated services provide distinctive support throughout the student's development and progression in their academic experience – from recruitment through commencement. Through collaboration, communication, and commitment, all units within Enrollment Management achieve the highest level of student-centered service to current and prospective students and families and to campus partners across the University. Position is responsible for coordinating, analyzing, evaluating, verifying, and awarding campus-based aid with a focus on students eligible for the Pell Grant. Interprets federal, state and university rules and regulations in relation to financial aid matters. Counsels students on financial aid topics such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); individual student aid eligibility; the process and timeline for creating packages; various aid types and eligibility; and process and timeline for disbursement; and financial literacy. Conducts outreach to Pell-eligible students to identify obstacles to the timely awarding and disbursement of aid. Initiates action(s) to resolve student issues. Represents the Office of Financial Aid at special events such as Accepted Student Days, FSU Day at TSC, Aspire BEACON Program, College of Medicine Summer Institute, Orientation, and Counselor workshops. Conducts financial aid information sessions and workshops. Provides financial literacy education. Reviews 'special circumstances' appeals. Evaluates appeals based on federal rules regarding allowable modification of government-determined dependency status, adjusted gross income, and estimated family contribution. Should an appeal be approved, updates federal financial aid (ISIR) database; overrides the FSU system-generated aid package to meet the student's eligibility; and manually disburses funds in coordination with the Office of Student Finance. Overrides standard University-established cost of attendance based on documentation of additional expenses. Communicates with students regarding appeal status. Authorizes the processing of disbursements and audits awards of campus-based aid in accordance with the established University methodology and state and federal regulations. Audits late-arriving aid and edits student packages if an over-award would result. Research issues that the system has flagged as possible violations of federal, state, and/or University compliance rules. Takes corrective action if needed. Performs comprehensive testing of financial aid processes. Conducts regular audits of section processes as directed by the Assistant Director. Audits programs outside CBA annually as assigned by senior leadership and provides findings and recommendations to aid in quality control, compliance and improve efficiency. Recommends policies and procedures to effectively administer financial aid related to Pell funding. Assists with coordinating student financial programs and other sections during peak times to support the goals of the Office of Financial Aid. Due to travel needs, position requires operation of a motor vehicle. Qualifications Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; or a high school diploma/equivalent and six years of relevant experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.) Must have a valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License, or the ability to obtain prior to hire. Preferred Qualifications We seek enthusiastic candidates who are detail-oriented, and who work well independently as well as in a team. Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook or comparable software. Ability to prioritize and organize multiple work assignments simultaneously. Experience implementing integrated marketing and communications plans. Experience in supervising others and/or team leadership. Candidates should have the ability to review, analyze, formulate, and organize data and information and follow through on assignments. Applicants should be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Candidates with a strong sense of initiative and the demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities concurrently are preferr