Senior Financial Aid Advisor

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor Senior 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: (Specific Areas of Accountability)

The Financial Aid Counselor Senior is a non-instructional position responsible for supporting the operations of the Academic Student Affairs unit of an institution. Under minimum supervision, 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all Policies and Standards.
Summary of Responsibilities:

Counsels currently enrolled 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 all types of financial aid based on established eligibility and packaging policies and guidelines. Assists with special circumstances, professional judgment. Monitors satisfactory academic progress policies. Counsels the possibility of return of funds and overpayment for students who have withdrawn.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. Review awards and adjust as needed. Continually monitors ever changing rules, regulations, policy bulletins and statutes from the Federal and State government, other external agencies and similar sources. Reviews possible eligibility for alternative loans. Docusign Envelope ID: CCF56330-
Work with other staff to develop and monitor procedures for various WV state scholarships and grant programs which may include National Guard, Veterans, TAA/WIA or similar
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. AttendPerforms other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all Policies and Standards.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Counsels currently enrolled 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 documentations. Maintains student financial aid records, including personal data. Awards all types of financial aid based on established eligibility and packaging policies and guidelines. Assists with special circumstances, professional judgment. Monitors satisfactory academic progress policies. Counsels the possibility of returning funds and overpayment 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. Review over awards and adjust as needed. Continually monitors ever changing rules, regulations, policy bulletins and statutes from the Federal and State government, other external agencies and similar sources. Reviews possible eligibility for alternative loans.

Work with other staff to develop and monitor procedures for various WV state scholarships and grant programs which may include National Guard, Veterans, TAA/WIA or similar

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. Extra hours, including some Saturdays, may be required as established by the Director.

Continually reviews financial aid regulations for updated information. Creates and updates FA informational brochures, forms, letter formats and other student communication. Reviews and updates website financial aid information. Research and compile data for NetPrice Calculator compliance.

Receive, respond, and disburse as appropriate emails from the financial aid office account. Disburse mass emails for such things as exit counseling requirements, satisfactory academic process notifications, and others as needed.

Coordinates annual High School Counselor workshop in conjunction with HEPC and WVASFAA.

Assists with archiving, purging, and disposing of sensitive financial aid documents under state and federal regulations.

Review all forms for completeness and accuracy including data entry into Banner, follow-up with incomplete and missing document notification to students.

Understand and recognize the interdependence of other areas of the college such as billing, admissions, and registration and work with those areas to resolve student issues.

Represents the college and department to appropriate agencies, or organizations, and the community.

Serve on college/departmental committees.

Minimal or no responsibility for the work of others: however, may provide functional guidance to student workers or lower-level employees on a non-essential basis.

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 always maintaining a well-organized office.

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 Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree; Education, Business Administration or related field.
In addition to the knowledge/Education, the following related work experience is typically required for this position. An equivalent combination of education and recent experience may be considered.
Experience Requirements:

Customer Service, 2 years or more

Post-secondary education policies and procedures, 2 years or more

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications are required

Experience with financial aid programs, preferred
License or Certification Requirements:

Drivers license

It’s important that you know who we are and what to expect!

Expectations:
Employees are responsible for their actions while on the job. You are to always conduct yourself professionally and responsibly. A productive and safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility.
Employees are expected to adhere to the Mission, Values and Vision of the College. Each employee’s position has attributes that contribute to the achievement of these goals.
Mission:
New River Community and Technical College provide accessible, affordable, quality education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.
Values
Shared values guide New River Community and Technical College in fulfilling its mission. These values influence thoughts, guide decisions, mold policies, and determine courses of action. Our employees are expected to support and enact these values in our daily work.

RESPECT
Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions and perspectives of all individuals.
Involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in decision-making.
Ensure everyone feels they are an integral part of the College.

HONESTY
Communicate openly and truthfully.
Take responsibility for one’s actions.
Provide accurate and transparent reporting of data.
Make decisions based on ethical principles.

EDUCATION

Encourage and support a culture of continuous learning.
Facilitate the sharing of information.
Offer access to a diverse range of educational resources.
Encourage curiosity.
Regularly assess educational programs and supporting services.
Cultivate a workforce of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled leaders.

COMMUNITY

Actively engage with the local community. 
Partner with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits.
Meet the educational needs and interests of the local community.
Encourage and facilitate civic engagement among students, staff, faculty, and administration.

VISION
New River Community and Technical College will improve students’ lives and will enrich communities as an increasingly integral part of the educational and economic landscape of southern West Virginia.