The Senior Education Assistance Specialist provides financial aid counseling, academic guidance, and educational support services to eligible students pursuing post-secondary education. This position serves as a senior resource within the department and assists the Higher Education Coordinator/Supervisor with recruitment, retention, outreach, training, program compliance, and operational support. The Senior Education Assistance Specialist leads staff training initiatives, mentors team members, and serves as a backup for audit-related activities to support program integrity and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with high school personnel, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders; serve as a primary educational resource for prospective and current students. Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling and assist students with identifying, applying for, and maintaining eligibility for tribal funding, grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs. Monitor students' academic progress and financial aid status; provide intervention, counseling, and support services to students experiencing academic, financial, or personal challenges that may affect educational success. Assist the Higher Education Coordinator/Supervisor with student recruitment, retention, outreach, and program development initiatives designed to increase educational participation and success. Develop, lead and coordinate staff training activities, including onboarding, policy and procedure updates, compliance requirements, and best practices related to student services and financial aid programs. Serve as a mentor and resource to team members regarding complex student cases, program requirements, and operational processes. Assist with coordinating departmental activities and collaborative efforts with educational institutions, government agencies, tribal departments, and community organizations. Maintain accurate and detailed student records, databases, case files, and documentation; prepare reports, statistical data, and program analyses as required. Serve as the backup coordinator/supervisor for audit-related functions, including maintaining documentation, preparing records for internal and external audits, responding to audit requests, monitoring compliance requirements, and assisting with corrective action plans as needed. Support program compliance by reviewing files, monitoring eligibility requirements, and ensuring adherence to applicable tribal, federal, state, and institutional regulations. Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members by providing program information, coordinating educational events, and supporting community outreach efforts. Conduct outreach visits to high schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, and community events to provide educational counseling, financial aid information, and program promotion. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate workshops, orientations, presentations, college tours, and other educational activities. Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend enhancements to program operations, student services, and compliance practices. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned by the Supervisor or Director.

Knowledge of:

Tribal, federal and state educational rules and regulations that concern financial aid eligibility requirements; Educational and training resources; Financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans; Yaqui culture, customs, resources, and traditions, or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrate excellent communication, public speaking, and writing skills; Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; Maintain confidentiality; Operate a variety of office equipment, including computers and related software applications; Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, supervisors, management, Council members, students, families, and the public; exchange information clearly and follow verbal and written instructions.

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Public Administration, or related field, plus two (2) years' experience in student services, financial aid administration or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Preferred:

Master's degree in a related field and/or one (1) year of experience working in higher education, student services, or program administration is preferred.

Special Requirements:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required; This position may require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends; Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License; Must possess and maintain a current Level 1 Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card will result in termination from this position.