Financial Aid Advisor

Overview

The primary purpose of this financial aid advisor position is to advise students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies and procedures at the University. The advisor provides information and advice about all financial aid programs, reviews and analyzes financial aid applications and records, resolves conflicting information, investigates unusual situations, and decides the outcome. This position will provide a variety of financial aid information to students.

• Counseling Duties: All professional staff have counselor duties. The position will have direct contact with clients (students and parents, primarily) on an appointment and walk-in basis and over the phone. The position provides information about all student financial aid programs — program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc.
• The position uses knowledge of the details of all students’ financial aid programs, ranging from private/institutional scholarships to federal loan programs. The position discusses confidential financial data and other family circumstances with the client. It advises the client about its impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs. The position exercises “professional judgment” in individual student situations, determining after reviewing the student’s situation that the student does not fall into standard categories outlined in program regulations and should be an “exception to the rule.”
  
  The position, although not an academic advisor, is often in a position of suggesting various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of financial aid.
• Although not directly responsible for activities in other areas of the University, the position often offers advice about paying bills, housing, registering, applying for admissions, transferring to and from the University, career planning, etc. At times the position is also in a position of recommending that the client seek assistance through the University’s counseling center or dean of students. The position makes decisions to award financial aid, or to approve a client as an “exception” which can mean access to higher education for that individual.
• In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, this position must project a sensitive and caring attitude. The position must recognize the impact of interaction with the student and/or parent in this situation on a college career and personal life. As part of the counseling activities, it may contact other university offices to seek advice for the student or serve as an advocate for the student.
  
  The position also contacts private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education for information or as an advocate for the student. It represents the University in outreach programs — open houses, financial aid nights at local high schools, etc. It must provide information about financial aid programs and eligibility requirements to assist prospective students in successfully navigating the financial aid application process.
  
  It will answer questions from audiences and retain a lot of detailed information about all student financial aid programs, the need analysis system, and how to explain it clearly. It must project a positive image of the University and the office.

• Position uses a thorough understanding of Federal and State student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures and communicates information clearly.
• Position uses in-depth knowledge of the impact of external grants/scholarships/VA benefits and 529 program funding to collaborate with Student Accounts and the Third-Party Billing office on the impact of external dollars on previously awarded aid. The position will adjust aid and notify students…