Financial Aid Advisor - Detroit, MI

Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for developing and finalizing student financial plans consistent with the financial aid department policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations for awarding student aid. This position works closely with students and their families with the application and awarding procedures. This role will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards for all aspects of the financial aid process.

This includes customer service and relationships with other departments, timely and effective packaging for potential students, new students, continuing students, and returning students. This role will also be responsible assisting students and their families by providing resources and information on eligibility and application requirements for Federal Student Aid and other sources of financial assistance.

Essential Functions:

• High level of professionalism and telephone etiquette.
• Possess excellent communication, analytical and customer service skills.
• Attention to detail and well-developed writing, listening, and interpersonal skills are essential skills required.
• Ability to be proactive, innovative and solutions oriented. Highly self-directed with solid problem-solving expertise.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands and willing to rearrange priorities to meet changing workload needs and deadline demands.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Oversees and performs federal student financial aid calculations with precision and accuracy in compliance with federal regulations.
• Assist students when applying for financial aid during the enrollment process. Also assists student with re-application and maintenance of funding throughout their program.
• Review financial aid applications and forms completed. Review for completeness, accuracy. Verify information reported on student applications to determine eligibility for awards, and process. Evaluate documented financial need and all documentation by students/legal guardians.
• Ensure that all necessary documents are uploaded and processed using the institution's financial aid management software and contracted servicers.
• Assist in follow up of students' institutional loan or financing plan payments.
• Significant understanding of federal regulations related to verification and processing of federal aid programs.
• Demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior in working with confidential information and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Abide by Federal and institutional code of conduct.
• Interpret, apply and comply with institutional policies and procedures. Interpret, apply and comply with federal, state, and institutional guidelines/regulation related to financial aid.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Enrollment Services, Education department, and other institutional personnel.
• Participate in all financial aid training, meeting, and events as assigned.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• General knowledge of the higher education industry preferred, but not required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities:

• Must possess excellent customer service, communication, and organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a team player, possess a strong work ethic, and be able to coordinate multiple tasks while meeting required deadlines.
• Must be capable of working independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively within the organization.
• Proficient with basic office equipment, computers, and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess strong time management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, show extreme resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• College degree in appropriate field highly preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of a financial aid advisor experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to drive positive results and improved quality.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws, and ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Must be…