Student Financial Aid Specialist

Student Financial Aid Specialist

The Student Financial Aid Specialist, under the direction of an Assistant Director or above, assists in the design, development and implementation of departmental processes and / or programs. Recommends policies and procedures to ensure effective coordination of departmental programs. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid, and is responsible for auditing, evaluating and monitoring students' financial aid records to determine eligibility for awarding financial aid programs.

Job Function :

• Provides support to the Director of Student Financial Aid in managing all Financial Aid processes and workflows in coordination with the Student Financial Aid Tech Support Specialist.
• Coordinates all Banner jobs for the Financial Aid module.
• Runs many Banner jobs for the Financial Aid module, including the downloading of ISIRS from federal processing, the disbursing of federal aid, the requesting of outstanding requirements and notification of students regarding their financial aid.
• Coordinates testing of all Banner upgrades, patches and new aid year set up for Financial Aid programs with the Student Financial Aid Tech Support Specialist.
• Monitors and assists with all technological set up and processing involving all federal, state and institutional programs and refunds / repayment calculation and processing for all Title IV and state programs.
• Plans, designs, develops and assists with the implementation of various technological / web based tools and services which will support both the internal technology functions of the Financial Aid team with the Processing Office, as well as the external flow of information to students about their Financial Aid awards.
• Works with Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid, Student Financial Aid Tech Support Specialist and Information Technology to plan, develop and implement technological strategies for streamlining all Financial Aid functions.
• Resolves Financial Aid workflow issues, and for designing technological enhancements and development to workflows that will allow for effective and efficient management of the student financial aid programs in coordination with Enrollment Services Systems and ITS.
• Imports files from various data sources to be placed into the imaging system or associated technology.
• Monitors imaging product and software used in processing to ensure quality and reliability of service to users.
• Monitors workflow and provides updates and recommendations to department leadership.
• Handles document pick up from other Enrollment Services offices.
• Previews the contents of the files to be scanned to ensure readiness.
• Reports any systems problems to department leadership and ITS. Responsible for daily maintenance and troubleshooting of scanning process to ensure image quality
• Scans and indexes all documents received by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Verifies documents after scanning to ensure quality and accuracy of data in imaging product.
• Research documents with no UNF ID.
• Researches and provides recommendations for process and procedure improvements.
• Document preparation and indexing.
• Corrects any indexing / scanning errors in imaging product.
• Develops a familiarity with defined file structures and document types.
• Develops and improves scanning operations procedures and documentation.
• Gathers scanning statistics.
• Assists in training coworkers in various financial aid processes.
• Assists with public information and public relations events pertaining to financial aid. Prepares reports and responds to surveys.

Marginal Functions :

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.

Departmental Requirements :

Must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; must be well organized; must have strong computer skills; must have strong interpersonal skills

Required Qualifications :

This position requires either (a) Bachelor's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in a directly related area of specialization and one year of experience directly related to the job functions; (b) or a high school diploma and five years of experience directly related to the job functions. Directly related college coursework or vocational / technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

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

Equal Opportunity :

The University of North Florida (UNF) 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, gender identity / expression, sexual orientation, 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.

Carnegie :

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.