financial aid representative- customer service.

Responsibilities:
- Provide advice and counsel about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, the application process and college resources in person, over the telephone and through email.
- Carefully adhere to all institutional, state and federal guidelines and regulations, including FERPA and participate in professional development on a continual basis to stay compliant.
- Follow department office procedures and processes to address inquiries while thoroughly documenting, both electronically and manually, details for each file.
- Assess unusual circumstances; review and analyze incomplete or conflicting data to appropriately communicate information related to financial aid.
- Verify that information provided on various financial aid forms and legal documents is accurate, current and consistent with applicable supporting documentation.
- Create and supply forms as needed for various financial aid purposes.
- Receive, log and file documents, which may include appeals packages, records, applications, eligibility, marital status and tax information.
- Track and report daily activity of office statistics both electronically and manually.
- Utilize complex computer programs, both internal and external, for reporting, tracking and monitoring and to process, record, retrieve and verify statistical data.
- Conduct outreach, utilizing events to promote school by marketing financial aid services to the community.
- 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.
- Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Skills:
- Compliance & Audit: Ability to review policies, procedures, and files to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
- Counseling & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills to advise on complex, sensitive, and emotional financial situations.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical abilities to resolve complex eligibility issues, professional judgment cases, and data conflicts.
- Detail-Oriented: High level of accuracy in data entry and reviewing documents.
- Independence: Ability to work independently, manage heavy workloads, and meet strict deadlines.

Education:
Bachelors

Experience:
1-4 years

Qualifications:
- Customer Service - the ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions while demonstrating patience and persistence when helping with little or no computer skills.
- High school degree, Associate of Arts degree is a plus.
- Experience in financial aid administration services, enrollment management, or comparable operational environment
- Experience with Information Systems (SIS) and financial aid management software is a plus.
- Ethics - able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
- Able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, and empathetic manner is a must.
- Experience in higher education and a Financial Aid office is a plus.


Are you ready to start your next career? Please click the apply tab above or call 352-378-2300 to inqu

Spherion has helped thousands of people just like you find work happiness! Our experienced staff will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temp-to-perm or direct hire opportunities, no one works harder for you than Spherion.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Spherion, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact Callcenter@spherion.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Spherion offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).