FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR
#2031
General Characteristics:
A Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for providing advice and guidance to students, prospective students, parents, staff and the community regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, budget development, debt management and the effective use of student financial resources available for education; verifies financial aid application information; performs need analysis; packages and awards federal and state financial aid and monitors satisfactory progress of students; conducts financial aid workshops, pre-loan advising sessions and exit interviews; administers federal and state student loan programs according to changing federal, state and institutional regulations and policies controlling student loans; does related work as required. Work requires excellent communication skills to counsel students who may be hostile or frustrated. Work requires knowledge of current financial aid regulations and considerable judgment in applying them to specific cases. Positions require the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Examples of Work:
Advises a variety of individuals regarding financial aid and academic eligibility, financial aid status, availability of funding, completing and submitting financial aid applications, financial aid processing and procedures, financial and educational planning, alternative sources of funding and agencies available for assistance in addressing personal, academic or financial concerns; monitors satisfactory academic progress and determines continuing eligibility of students; conducts financial aid workshops in schools and the community; conducts pre-loan advising sessions and exit interviews for loan applicants; reviews and processes Financial Aid Short Term Loan Applications and Emergency Student Loan Applications including approval and disbursement of funds.
Verifies application information according to federal guidelines by reviewing tax returns and other verification documents; performs federally approved need analysis; determines eligibility for awards and makes the award for financial aid; authorizes payment of financial aid; approves disbursal of loan checks after the term has ended; coordinates and monitors funding from outside agencies and approves disbursements of these funds according to the specifications; maintains adequate documentation in student's records to comply with audit requirements; revises student eligibility and financial aid awards based on changes in availability of funds or student circumstances; informs students about repayment obligations.
Certifies loans according to federal, state and College regulations and policies; sends letters to students when additional information is required or notification pertaining to the student loan must be given; selects bank codes and inputs pertinent bank information into the computer system so that Financial services may receive and disburse student loan checks; mails Student Loan and Debt Management Handbooks to students; notifies lending institutions when a student's financial eligibility changes and it reduces the amount
of their loan; returns loan checks to lending institutions when a student has lost their eligibility to receive the loan; verifies a student's eligibility to pick up a loan check for a prior term; updates student information on the computer system.
Assists in planning departmental activities, policies and procedures and the development of forms and consumer information on financial aid eligibility and application procedures; works with College staff to promote activities, programs and information that will aid in student recruitment and retention.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of and skill in applying financial aid programs and federal, state and institutional regulations and policies; knowledge of and ability to operate office equipment including typewriter, calculator, computer terminal and microcomputer; knowledge of student advising methods and financial aid instructions; knowledge of financial aid need analysis and packaging; ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions; ability to produce large volumes of accurate work under pressure and meet deadlines; ability to provide guidance and instructions to a wide variety of students; ability to work with initiative and innovation; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to make effective presentations to large and small groups; working knowledge of automated financial aid systems; ability to keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and harmonious working relationships with a wide range of individuals in a variety of work settings; ability to advise or problem solve with students who may be hostile or frustrated; ability to work occasional evenings and weekends; ability to drive; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Financial Aid Associate Director. Work is performed independently in accordance with federal, state and institutional policies, rules, regulations, procedures and interpretations.
This position has responsibility to assign tasks, provide priorities, train and monitor the work of student assistants.
Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of post-secondary education with course work in finance, public administration, accounting, human resources, counseling or a related field is required. Three years of financial aid experience is required. one year of related experience (such as bank loan officer, tax consultant, student records, counseling or admissions work) may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience. A current Oregon driver's license is required.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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