Financial Aid Advisor

JOB PURPOSE:

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for counseling students/prospective students and families on financial aid processes, requirements, and aid eligibility to support the Student Debt Intervention and Financial Aid Literacy goals of the University. The advisor independently prepares events, webinars, student financial aid guides, and resources to address Financial Literacy initiatives. The Financial Aid Advisor will work closely with the Manager of Financial Aid.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

• Conducts financial aid appointments, assists students with financial aid application, financial aid literacy training/counseling, and counsels/advises students and parents regarding available financial aid programs and resources.
• Aims to create debt management plans so students are prepared to cover the cost of attending college.
• Provides financial aid advisement services, in person, by phone, by email, and in virtual meetings using Zoom.
• Collaborate effectively with University departments to actively support student debt intervention initiatives and ensure students are well informed on the areas of paying for college, financial literacy, and reducing the number of students finishing a semester with debt.
• Contribute as needed in the awarding process of students receiving Pell Grants and Scholarships; including verifying and reviewing student files for packaging.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the University to serve as a Veterans Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official for all student veterans.
• This individual answers students' questions about the VA benefits process and provides related admissions and registration assistance to prospective and current students regarding all academic programs, degree requirements, placement testing, transfer, and student activities.
• This individual also establishes a regular, visible presence at each campus or center as determined by VA student enrollment.
• The Advisor will develop, expand, and implement early financial literacy and money management education and awareness for students aimed to develop a student guide focusing on "how to pay for college" (manual and virtual guides).
• Teach students about debt and its impact short and long term.
• Build Virtual Financial Management Modules aimed at helping students effectively manage money and design/follow a financial plan.
• Work with internal departments and outside organizations to address the areas of financial literacy.
• Develop a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program to meet the Federal, State, Institutional, Departmental, and Grant Program standards.
• Supports the University's goal of digital transformation, improving the online services and programs offered to students.
• Works to create partnerships that reduce student debt.
• Assist in the development of financial literacy and the delivery of specific financial aid program procedures, counseling students, conducting financial aid workshops/ seminars/ training sessions, and monitoring aid programs to ensure compliance with federal aid regulations and policies.
• Performs data analysis to identify discrepancies in data and determines actions for resolutions.
• Maintains accurate student financial aid record keeping.
• Compiles reports as required by funding agency and weekly reports that include updates and/or concerns.
• Participates in the annual audit of student records.
• Provide students, parents, staff, and faculty with financial aid information and services through multiple methods of communication.
• Responds to the academic calendar of financial aid activities to ensure deadlines are met; maintain strict compliance with FERPA confidentiality requirements.
• Assess the effectiveness of financial literacy in addressing college debt and maintains open communication with Financial Aid Manager.
• Participates in the annual compliance audits (Tribal, Federal, and State).
• Responsibility includes providing reports to assess the effectiveness of the Financial Aid literacy programs, the impact on student debt, and Student Debt Intervention initiatives and Grant reporting requirements.
• Prepares expense reports on an annual basis.
• Perform need analysis according to federal Title IV methodology, review and verify the accuracy of applications and complete the packaging of awards for eligible applications.
• Revise existing awards to reflect changes in eligibility or allowable budget adjustments.
• Exercise professional judgment in adjusting a student's application to accommodate documented, qualifying special circumstances.

• Maintains proactive contact with students and creates solutions to potential setbacks that may affect student retention and
• Works collaboratively with other departments to address and/or resolve issues.
• Participates in the development,…