Financial Aid Professional II (Multiple Positions) (UPDATED)

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• While working in a collaborative team environment, coordinate the processing and administration of financial aid and related documentation.
  
• Review and verify information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supplemental documentation (including tax forms) based on federal Title IV regulations to determine student eligibility through the process of verification, professional judgement, etc.
  
• Proficient compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies pertaining to the provision of student financial aid.
  
• Develop a working knowledge of the administration of all Title IV and institutional financial aid and scholarship programs and policy.
• Understand how the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation works and how the SAI impacts the awarding of Title IV funds.
  
• Ensure a streamlined experience for University of Arizona students by encouraging them to complete all requirements for disbursements in coordination with the college/department and other external entities.
  
• Expansive opportunities to gain proficiency across multiple federal and institutional databases and platforms (i.e., COD, NSLDS, FPP).
  
• Identify and prioritize discrepancies, escalated scenarios and perform research, offer solutions, options and strategies for resolution. Refer to appropriate person or department as needed, and/or arrange for required support.
  
• Collaborate with other units within OSFA and other University of Arizona campus partners to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines; notify students of changes in eligibility of awards and support students towards best possible outcomes.
  
• Occasional participation in various committees, assist in research and interpretation of rules and regulations concerning student eligibility in an ever-changing environment. This includes maintaining, reviewing and updating institutional policies to be in compliance with Department of Education regulations.
  
• Leadership opportunities include but not limited to assisting with staff training, presenting at unit meetings, serving on hiring committees, creation of technical documents, developing new and improved unit processes, etc.
  
• Professional development opportunities include federal credential certification, continuing education webinars, and attending, presenting and networking at professional conferences.
  
• Interact effectively individually, as a member of an inclusive and professional team and work collaboratively with other departments.
  
• May be asked to occasionally participate in outreach events on behalf of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid while working directly with high school counselors, students and/or their families to interpret financial aid and answer individual questions.
  
• Opportunity to serve on the front lines with the Client Services unit during high volume periods in the office.
  
• Additional duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of government, donor and/or institutional rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures for awarding of financial aid.
  
• Ability to perform a large volume of projects with accuracy and efficiency, tending to multiple details and participants, competing priorities, quick turnaround expectations, and specific deadlines.
  
• Knowledge of and skill in automated processing.
  
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) requirements.
  
• Knowledge of federal financial aid programs and supporting regulations, Title IV program fund regulations, U. S. Department of Education rules and regulations and current U.S. tax forms, regulations, and the implications of such regulations on financial aid.
  
• Superior organization and an ability to effectively prioritize and problem solve to make timely and appropriate decisions.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including a demonstrated ability and skill in organizing and creating technical and procedural manuals, training devices, research papers and reports, etc.
  
• Solid basic math skills.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with both professional staff and student populations.
  
• Strong basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel, and as well as exposure to more concentrated financial aid/EDE software programs such as PeopleSoft. Commitment and drive to learn and utilize (and coach others in) new technologies and systems.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
  AND three years of experience in a related field; OR, seven years of experience in financial aid, student counseling or directly related experience; OR, any
  equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education