Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community colleges in the United States. Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity. SF enrolls over 16,000 students each semester, retains and completes over 60% of students every academic year, while over 10% transfer into the University system.

This position serves the College from the Blount Center in Gainesville, Florida. 

The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for processing student files and is subject to internal and external audit scrutiny. This position specializes in either the verification or packaging of student files by reconciling discrepancies, verifying eligibility for awards, sending notices to students, and updating related awards. The Financial Aid Specialist possesses knowledge of College programs and resources and has a thorough understanding of applicable Financial Aid institutional, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. This position may need to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours during peak service periods and special events.

• Advise, counsel, and inform students, parents, and staff about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, financial literacy, and College resources in person, 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.
• Research and resolve problems related to discrepancies in application documents.
• Verify files for high school and college transcripts.
• Review student files and transcripts ensuring accuracy and eligibility standards are upheld.
• Send verification requests to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine citizenship status.
• Use discretion, based on established federal guidelines regarding eligibility, to reconcile, complete, and award student files.
• Prepare awards for disbursement by the Office for Finance.
• Review and resolve errors in the disbursement process.
• Utilize complex computer programs, both internal and external, for reporting, tracking, and monitoring and to process, record, retrieve, and verify statistical data.
• 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.
• Conduct outreach events that promote Santa Fe College and general access to education by publicizing financial aid and financial literacy services to the community.
• May need to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours during peak service periods and special events.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required: High school diploma or equivalent and four years of related work experience or a combination of completed education and/or related work experience equal to four years.

Preferred:

• Associate degree.

• Prior experience/understanding of one or more of the following areas: financial aid, accounting, higher education, or IRS tax rules.
• Experience/prior working knowledge of Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP).
• Database management skills.

• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Team Orientation & Interpersonal – highly motivated team-player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Organization & Time Management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, react swiftly to and able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.

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 the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. http://www.sfcollege.edu/eaeo/
 

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.