Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor position provides specific financial aid and financial management advising to students; supports the financial aid department in student education efforts such as consumer information requirements, basic money management, default prevention and identity protection; collaborates with multiple on‑campus departments and off‑campus organizations in order to develop venues of contact with current and prospective students on campus, in high schools and elsewhere in the community.

Advising Functions

• Advise prospective and current students and parents on all aspects of the financial aid process. Provide guidance and support, including information about funding resources (federal grants and loans, state grants, agency resources, scholarships and federal work‑study), application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility. Service is provided in‑person in the Financial Aid Office and in conjunction with the Student Enrollment team.
• Collaborate with advising, counseling, tutoring, degree evaluation, student employment, or other services to assist students and make referrals as needed.
• Explain and provide information on institutional policies and federal regulations and how they may affect a student’s aid eligibility. Provide professional advice regarding how academic choices (course selection, enrollment levels, attendance, drop/withdraw, progress toward completion, GPA, etc.) affect financial aid eligibility.
• Assist students with online financial aid tools and self‑service resources.

Event Planning Functions

• Lead group workshops and discussions to educate students on funding opportunities, the financial aid application process, and budgeting skills. This may include community outreach centers, high schools and on‑campus classes.
• Support recruitment and retention activities by providing financial aid information during orientations, high school visits, and outreach efforts targeting traditional and non‑traditional students.
• Participate in financial aid training sessions to stay current on changes in laws, policies, and procedures.
• Present financial aid information to students, faculty, staff, and community groups.

Office and Compliance Functions

• Assist with overall departmental customer service, including regular coverage of the front desk, department e‑mail and phone lines.
• Analyze and recommend improvements and program changes necessary for quality customer service and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in reviewing student files requiring special judgment.
• Maintain an accurate and organized database of student interactions to help evaluate service effectiveness.
• Communicate and operate in alignment with all applicable federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies.
• Document procedures related to assigned responsibilities.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

• Possess interpersonal, communication and public presentation skills. Must be able to communicate effectively in individual and group settings. Will represent COCC on a professional basis, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Use good listening skills to communicate with students in response to a variety of questions (e.g., Satisfactory Academic Policy, reasons for financial aid not being ready, amount available to borrow, ramifications of dropping classes).
• Understand and effectively use administrative software system (Banner) to accomplish job functions.
• Work well in teams and with customers.
• Use software to create work applications and reports.
• Work accurately and in detail.
• Stay current with financial aid regulatory changes by monitoring professional websites and attending seminars as required.
• Know community resources available to students for assistance with basic needs, counseling, budgeting and planning, or ability to make those contacts.
• Use software programs and database systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, e‑mail, website editing, and modern office equipment.
• Work cooperatively with and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience.
• Demonstrate essential job…