FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR

SUMMARY:

Develop and finalize student financial plans consistent with the financial aid department policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations for awarding student aid. Work closely with students and their families with the application and awarding procedures. Also, assist students and their families by providing resources and information on eligibility and application requirements for Federal Student Aid and other sources of financial assistance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist students when applying for financial aid during the enrollment process; also assisting students with re-application and maintenance of funding throughout their program. 
• Provide information and resources to students regarding financial aid program requirements and procedures. 
• Evaluate documented financial need and all documentation submitted by students. 
• Review financial aid applications and forms completed. Review for completeness, accuracy, then verify information reported on student applications to determine eligibility for awards, and process.
• Ensure that all necessary documents are entered and processed using the institution’s financial aid management software and contracted servicers. 
• Assist in follow-up of students’ institutional loan or financing plan payments. 
• Assist in answering phones, directing calls, and other administrative support when necessary. 
• Demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior in working with confidential information and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Abide by Federal and institutional code of conduct. 
• Apply the rules of and comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid. 
• Maintain current working knowledge of guidelines/regulations related to job responsibilities. 
• Maintain a close working relationship with Enrollment Services, Education department, and other school personnel. 
• Participate in all financial aid training, meetings, and events as assigned.
• Provide exemplary customer service by going the extra mile for the customer.
• All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS – ABILITIES:

• Must possess excellent customer service, communication, and organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Must be a team player, possess a strong work ethic, and be able to coordinate multiple tasks while meeting required deadlines. 
• Must be capable of working independently. 
• Ability to communicate effectively within the organization. 
• Proficient with basic office equipment, computers, and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Must possess strong time management skills and ability to work well under pressure. 
• Must have the ability to multitask, prioritize, and show extreme resourcefulness and problem solving skills

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent is required; two-year or four-year degree preferred.
• One year of customer service or related experience preferred, but not required. 
• Financial aid experience preferred, but not required. 
• A proven work record as a Financial Aid Advisor, Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper, Bank Teller, or in a related field is required.

WORKING / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

•   Extensive use of office equipment including personal computer, multi-line phone system, copier, printer, facsimile, and postage meter.
•   The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; and have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard and other office equipment.
•    Evening or weekend hours, if necessary, to meet deadlines and meet with prospective students.
• This position is in an office setting with light to moderate noise levels, entails extended periods of sitting and computer work.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; and have sufficient hand, arm and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard and other office equipment. 

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned by their manager, in order to meet business demands. This is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise and employment with Dorsey College is “at-will”.