Financial Aid Advisor – DeSoto Center

Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for providing financial aid guidance and support to prospective and current students at the DeSoto Center. This position assists students throughout the financial aid process, promotes student success through exceptional customer service, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. The Advisor works collaboratively with campus departments and supports the District Director of Financial Aid in administering financial aid programs and services.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree required.
• Experience with computer data entry and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience operating standard office equipment in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer and student service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive, approachable, and collaborative demeanor with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred and previous financial aid experience; OR
• Two (2) years of experience in financial aid, student counseling, enrollment services, higher education administration, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with student information systems, financial aid management systems, or related higher education software.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, analyze student records, and resolve complex student issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Advising and Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to student inquiries via phone, email, and in person regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
• Assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving application issues.
• Guide students through verification requirements and the submission of required documentation.
• Assist students with Mississippi state aid applications, Master Promissory Notes (MPNs), Entrance Counseling, and federal loan requests.
• Refer students to appropriate college departments when inquiries fall outside the scope of financial aid.
• Educate students and families regarding financial aid options, policies, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Processing

• Award Mississippi state aid programs in accordance with state guidelines and funding allocations.
• Award Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and other external awards based on eligibility and supporting documentation.
• Process Dual Enrollment financial aid awards as authorized.
• Review and process financial aid records, including unresolved or incomplete ISIRs.
• Assist students with registration issues related to financial aid eligibility, including the use of Incomplete Slips when appropriate.
• Monitor student financial aid files to ensure timely processing and awarding.

Compliance and Reporting

• Submit enrollment verification reports to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid following established deadlines.
• Monitor student enrollment to ensure compliance with state and federal aid requirements.
• Review student schedules and enrollment status to ensure eligibility for financial aid programs.
• Verify Pell Grant eligibility and award sequencing prior to scholarship application.
• Submit end-of-term grade verification reports and reconcile Mississippi state aid awards.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and program-specific regulations.
• Assist with audits, program reviews, and reporting requirements as requested.

Federal Work-Study Administration

• Coordinate Federal Work-Study student placement…