Financial Aid Advisor

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Advisor provides financial counseling services and assistance to students, regarding various types of Federal and Institutional Financial Aid available to facilitate the enrollment.

Nature of Work

The Financial Aid Advisor is a non-instructional position responsible for supporting the operations of the Academic Student Affairs unit of an institution, by administering financial aid counseling for students, parents, and others interested in student financial aid and the financial aid process. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the daily processing of all documents submitted to the office through the use of a digital imaging system. Job responsibilities require considerable contact with students, parents, visitors and other staff members to attain common goals, in addition to demonstrated human relations and communication skills, and is distinguished by this requirement from advising support positions that are primarily administrative in nature. Work is closely supervised, with limited opportunity for independent action or decision-making, and consists of tasks that are routine, or well-defined, with specific instructions to achieve standards.  Decisions may affect a work unit or area within the institution and may contribute to business and operational decisions that affect the institution.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Performs other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all Policies and Standards.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Advises currently enrolled and prospective students on financial aid procedures, eligibility requirements, aid availability, etc. Answers inquiries regarding financial aid programs and policies. Informs students of important dates of financial aid process deadlines, etc.  Analyzes and inputs student and family information from various financial documentation.  Maintains student financial aid records, including personal data.  Awards some types of financial aid based on established eligibility and packaging policies.  Counsels the students on satisfactory academic progress policies. Advises the possibility of return of funds for students who have withdrawn.

Assists in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive awarding policy, working with the Director of Financial Aid and others, to utilize campus-based and institutional funds. Assists in implementation of pre-semester packaging, awarding, appropriation of financial aid notifications and disbursements; processing of verification of eligibility for financial assistance for students; processing of verification of eligibility for financial assistance. Review over awards and make adjustments as needed. Continually monitors ever changing rules, regulations, policy bulletins and statutes from the Federal and State government, other external agencies and similar sources. 

Assists with student orientation, registration, admissions and student service activities serving as back up for other student service areas when needed. Conducts financial aid workshops/seminars for various groups such as parents, students and high schools.  Attend financial aid conferences, seminars and training sessions in order to remain current on federal, state and other financial aid regulations as required.  Presents financial aid information to students and parents at on-campus activities, high school financial aid nights and other events as scheduled. 

Continually reviews financial aid information for updated information.

Professional Development

Compliance training is to be completed routinely and timely.

Participate in additional professional development opportunities through LinkedIn Learning and professional organization affiliations.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills/Abilities

Excellent computer skills (Excel, Access, Word Processing, BANNER and Internet)

Ability to multi-task while maintaining a well-organized office at all times.

Ability to understand and communicate federal, state, and College rules, regulations, and procedures.

Ability to remain up-to-date and knowledgeable of the College financial aid policies, as well as the basics of federal guidelines such as standards of progress, maximum awards, cost of attendance, student loan requirements, eligibility rules, etc.

Attention to detail

Adept problem solving skills

Ability to communicate tactfully in writing and orally

Extensive knowledge of general office procedures and practices

Knowledge of government rules, regulations, guidelines, and processes related to the financial aid field

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Education

Associate degree - Communication, Business or related subject matter. - Required

Bachelor's degree - Communication, Business or related subject matter. - Preferred

This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent.  Justification for information provided in the job description may be requested.  Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor.

All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.