Senior Financial Aid Specialist - Winter Haven

Senior Financial Aid Specialist - Winter Haven

Job DescriptionABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

At Polk State, our amazing faculty and staff create an inspiring workplace. This Senior Financial Aid Specialist position reports to the Manager, Student Financial Services and is an excellent opportunity within the College’s Financial Services department. We offer a collaborative, creative and culturally diverse work environment. If you want to be supported in your efforts to grow professionally and to be recognized for your contributions, then come work for Polk State.

SOAR, EAGLES!

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Senior Financial Aid Assistant supports learning by assisting with the administration of federal, state, institutional and outside agency funds that have been allocated for student financial assistance. This position serves as one of the first points of contact for financial aid support, assisting students and parents with all aspects of the financial aid process, and providing information on available programs, procedures, and eligibility requirements. With support the managers and management team to work on special projects; resolve exception reports and assist in coordinating financial aid programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

Demonstrate customer orientation in all interactions with students and PSC employees. Students should feel valued and pleased in all interactions with PSC staff.

Analyze financial aid applications, collect data, and prepare folios for all financial aid applications, and notify students of financial aid awards. Complete full-service financial aid processing, budgeting, and adjustment of COA. Will seek to coordinate exception reports with Financial Aid Specialists.

Attend recruitment and field events, working with students individually and in groups to answer questions and assist with the recruitment process.

Respond to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the department. This involves email and phone inquiries regarding student financial aid packages.

As assigned, compile and process all college work study student documents and verify time sheets for employment.

Develop sound understanding of student loans, state aid, scholarships processes, debt management, and student loan repayment options.

Strive for continuous quality improvement as a financial aid and records professional and as an informed and active member of the college community.

Audit student files for accurate paperwork within the federal and state guidelines.

Assist in various aspects of departmental financial and accounting processes.

Other duties as assigned in support of meeting enrollment and retention goals. May include receptionist duties, clerical tasks, research projects, special project coordination, student counseling, etc. This duty requires the flexible scheduling of work and will include occasional evenings and weekends.

This position is a level C17. Please see starting salary range below.

Required Skills

• The ability to establish an effective rapport with part-time and full-time faculty.
• Good organizational skills, with special attention to details.
• Good oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work well with others.
• General office skills.
• Experience with computer, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Superior customer service skills
• Ability to work with complex spreadsheets and to analyze student financial aid data.

Working Conditions:

• During the first of each semester must be available to work evening hours to start the semester.
• Sometimes requires coming in on evenings, early in the mornings, and on Saturdays to start various workshops.
• Must have the ability to work proficiently in busy, multi-office work area.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt well to changes.

Required Education:

Graduation from a standard high school (or equivalent).

Required Experience

Two years of administrative, clerical or general office work experience is required.

Preferred Experience:

Two years' experience in higher education financial aid or other student services functions is preferred.

We offer an excellent employer-paid benefits package including the following: Medical, Dental, Life, Long-Term Disability, Vacation (except faculty), Holiday and Sick Leave, Retirement (if eligible) and college fee waivers. Other employee-paid, voluntary benefits (vision, short-term disability, etc.) are also available.

Important Information:

• Application Requirements: A completed online application consists of:
  • a resume, and
  • an electronic job application (all sections completed).

Submissions that do not include all required information will not be considered.

• Background Screening: Reference checks, successful completion of a Level II background check (fingerprinting), and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.

• Non-Instructional/Staff Transcripts: For career positions, a degree is not required. However, please note that education verification will be completed for all stated degrees, on or before an offer is extended. Submission of official transcripts for all stated degrees, is required as a condition of employment, following receipt of a job offer.

• Foreign Transcripts: All international degrees must have their coursework evaluated in terms of U.S. "equivalency." Polk State College requires that all international credential evaluations be conducted by one of the companies affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES®). More information about NACES® affiliates can be obtained at the NACES® website.

• Relocation: Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

• This position will close at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

NOTE: We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at [email protected].

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with State of Florida agency like Polk State College. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement and the date of your re-employment.

As a rule, Polk State College does not provide H1-B visa sponsorship. Exceptions may be made based on the College's need for a candidate with unique skills and expertise and where the College cannot otherwise recruit and hire qualified non-sponsored candidates.

Polk State College is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify.

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment. For questions or concerns on equity issues, please contact: Lonnie Thompson, Chief Diversity Officer; 999 Avenue H, NE; Winter Haven, FL  33881; Office: 863.292.3602 Ext. 5343; [email protected]

Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you feel you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Polk State, please call 863-297-1070 or e-mail [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request, along with your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.

Company LocationWinter Haven CampusSalary TypeHourlySalary17.45 - 18.89 USD