Senior, Financial Aid Advisor

Job Profile Summary

Under limited supervision, the Senior Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for the daily financial aid processes including counseling and advising parents, students and others regarding federal, state, institutional, and foundation financial aid programs, ensuring the removal of barriers to receive educational funding.

The Senior Financial Aid Advisor provides information on policies, procedures and eligibility of financial aid programs while also analyzing / processing student financial aid records, including federal verification, certification of loans, matching scholarship criteria with eligible students, and awarding grants.

Coupled with a student centered focus, this position is responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and reconciling student financial aid files.

Senior Financial Aid Advisors assigned the Operational business area will also reconcile funds, process R2T4’s, understand and implement state grant programs.

Minimum Education :

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered where applicable.

Minimum Experience / Training :

• Four years of relevant experience. Experience required is within field or closely related field.
• Progressively knowledgeable and responsible experience in a collegiate setting that provides significant exposure and current knowledge of the practices, policies, and procedures governing the higher education student financial aid process

Essential Functions :

Daily - 20% : Provides financial aid advice and counsels students on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes while maintaining a level for individualized counseling to provide students with the most equitable financial aid award package.

May also be required to process R2T4 calculations when students withdraw and have received federal aid.

Daily - 20% : Processes financial aid by verifying data and certifying grants, loans, and scholarship awards for students through income and budget analysis.

Reviews and processes financial aid applications to determine basic eligibility and obtain additional documentation when necessary.

• Daily - 15% : Exercises professional judgment to determine if income adjustments should be made, dependency status should be revised, and reviews recalculations to adjust awards on less complex cases, as appropriate.
• Daily -10% : Reviews and determines individual loan eligibility based on enrollment, program objective, and calculated financial need.
• Daily -10% : Analyzes, creates, and maintains complex and technical data records which include electronic data transmission of information to outside agencies and accessing data included in federal systems, including but not limited to the National Student Loan Data System, the Federal Common Origination and Disbursement system, and The federal Central Processing System.
• Daily - 5% : Assists in the construction and reconciliation of financial aid files for state and federal reporting.
• Daily - 10% : Resolves discrepancies and manually reconciles files from various reports when system limitations prevent automation.
• Daily -5% : Responds to inquiries by researching and resolving problematic transactions; serves as a liaison with other departments in the resolution of day-to-day administrative or operational issues;

crisis intervention referrals as needed.

Other - 5% : Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Ability to conduct reconciliation by analyzing complex data independently or collaboratively with colleagues concerning the processes and procedures for the delivery of aid.
• Proficient in interpretation of federal and state regulations as it pertains to financial aid. May oversee part-time or work-study employees or provide functional guidance to less experienced staff.
• Mathematical skills are needed to manually calculate awards, apply formulas to awards, calculate the student’s need, and determine estimated financial aid to ensure the proper award amount for the student.
• General understanding of the College’s structure, policies, procedures, and practices as it pertains to the immediate area and the college as a whole.
• Ability to contribute in multiple related areas within the function
• Expertise in understanding and following project plans, including the coordination of multiple resources and activities
• Understanding of and ability to coordinate interdependencies of work within the area and of resources from outside the area
• Ability to exchange information with individuals and collaborate with colleagues within the College as well as presentation skills
• Requires advanced knowledge of computerized systems and operating environments i.e. Microsoft Office Products and specialized computer systems spec
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population and present financial aid workshop material within and outside the college community.

Competencies : Respect for Others

Respect for Others

Demonstrates respect for team members and constituents by valuing their contributions toward the goals of the work unit and the College.

Maintains professionalism and contributes to a cohesive work environment

Teamwork

Cooperates and collaborates with individuals & groups that support the mission and values of the College

Contributes to an inclusive, respectful, and empowering working environment that welcomes varying perspectives

Flexibility & Adaptability

Adapts approaches as situations in the work environment change. Supports change based on the environmental needs, emerging technologies, and system upgrades

Technical Expertise

Effectively applies concepts, theories, methods, tools, techniques, and expertise in area of discipline (i.e. HR, Finance, Student Affairs, etc.)

Continuous Improvement & Learning

Actively develops one's skills and explores opportunities for personal learning and continuous development within the job's functionality and in support of the goals and mission of department, division, and the College

Job Title

Senior, Financial Aid Advisor

Position Number

P0005611

Job Status

Full time Regular

Department

Financial Aid Advising - Central

Location

Central Campus

Pay Grade

Salary

$42,320 - $49,726 (Salary rate commensurate with education and experience)

Work Shift

First Shift

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday / Weekends / Varies

Hours Per Week

Posting End Date

Open Until Filled