The Financial Aid Specialist 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 the first point 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.

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, utilizing ERP and financial aid technology.
• Attend recruitment and field events, working with students individually and in groups to answer questions and assist with the recruitment process.
• Mail award and tracking letters to students and prepare loan packets for mailing to students upon loan approval. 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.
• Compile and process all college work study student documents and verify time sheets for employment.
• Develop sound understanding of student loans, 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.

• 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.

Working Conditions/Additional Information

• 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.
• Must be able to work on campus position in Winter Haven, FL (not remote or hybrid).

Salary and Benefits Information

• This position is a level C15. Please see below for specific salary range.
• 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.

Required Education

• Graduation from a standard high school (or equivalent).

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

Preferred Experience

• Experience in higher education financial aid or other student services functions is preferred.

Submissions that do not include all parts of the following required information will not be considered:

• a resume
• an electronic job application (all sections MUST be completed)

This position will close at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Important Information

• 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.
• Polk State College participates in E-Verify. Candidates must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. Polk State College does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Polk State College is committed to equal access/equal opportunity in its programs, activities, and employment. For additional information, visit polk.edu/compliance. For questions or concerns, please contact: Lonnie Thompson, Chief of Institutional Compliance & Engagement/Title IX Coordinator; lthompson@polk.edu.
• To request Veteran's Preference, please be sure to upload all necessary documents (DD-214, etc.) to your application.
• Polk State College is a drug-free workplace.
• Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Reference checks, successful completion of a background check, and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.
• Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at Careers@polk.edu.