Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor guides students and their influencers through the financial aid process, administers aid accurately and in compliance with federal and state regulations, and resolves funding barriers that may affect enrollment or continued education. The role manages an assigned student portfolio, provides timely education and follow-up, and partners across departments to support student starts, persistence, graduation, and overall satisfaction.

Pay Range: $20-25 DOE

Location:

Portland, OR

• Competitive Insurance
  :
  Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents

• Health Plan Enrollment
  :
  Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

• Paid Time Off
  :
  Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)

• Retirement Matching
  : 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days

• Paid Parental Leave
  : 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby

• Pet Insurance
  :
  Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA

• Tuition Waiver
  :
  Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered

• Guide students from initial contact through ongoing support, helping them secure financial aid and other funding and submit all required documentation
• Deliver a positive experience during every interaction by demonstrating compassion and composure and explaining the value of completing each next step on time
• Identify underlying concerns and offer creative solutions that help students overcome barriers to starting or continuing school
• Communicate the Company's value by connecting its benefits to the needs and priorities of students and their influencers, confirming understanding, and gaining agreement
• Administer student financial aid accurately and promptly in accordance with federal and state regulations
• Guide students and their influencers through the financial aid process by explaining required steps and clarifying their current status
• Educate students about federal aid borrower rights and responsibilities, FAFSA completion, loan acceptance or denial, scholarships, and alternative funding options to resolve financing challenges
• Partner proactively with Admissions, Student Services, Education, Employment Services, and Accounting to support student needs and improve show rates, retention, persistence, and overall satisfaction
• Execute appropriate contact strategies, provide timely follow-up, and help students achieve required financial aid milestones
• Manage an assigned portfolio of students using established tools and processes
• Partner with Admissions Representatives and future students to assess individual circumstances and indicators, determine the likelihood of starting school, and project upcoming starts accurately
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess current student circumstances and indicators;
  Assist with determining the likelihood of continuing education and graduating

• Other duties as assigned

• High School diploma or GED (required)
• Associates degree in business, accounting or related field (preferred)
• Three (3) years of experience in customer service or sales (preferred)
• Two (2) years Financial Aid experience (preferred)
• Must not be in default on any Federal Student Loans and must remain in good standing while employed (required)

• Demonstrate basic understanding of core job functions and tools
• Follow instructions and established procedures with supervision
• Participate in team discussions and training sessions
• Ask clarifying questions to build understanding
  
  Show openness to feedback and learning
• Use standard software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel) at a beginner level
• Maintain focus on assigned…