Student Financial Assistance Advisor

Student Financial Assistance Advisor

The Student Financial Assistance Advisor ensures college goals are met with being the responsible partner for the overall management of financial aid services. This position analyzes the accuracy of data for determining the packaging of student financial awards in accordance with applicable regulations, statutes and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determines the packaging of student financial aid awards in accordance with applicable regulations, statutes and policies.
• Monitors, interprets and implements federal regulations pertaining to student loan, grant, and scholarship eligibilities and formulates or recommends changes to college policies and procedures to comply with regulatory changes.
• Serves as an information resource to address any issues relating to compliance and financial aid.
• Effectively communicates with other student services, staff or administrators, guarantor agencies, other schools, students and parents to resolve loan data conflicts.
• Takes appropriate action upon the discovery of suspected fraud cases.
• Refers students who are not in compliance with verification requests but have received funds to the appropriate areas.
• Assists students in correcting excessive borrowing situations when they occur as well as returning to lender the portion of loan that exceeds federal limits.
• Authorizes awarding of Tri-C Foundation scholarship and grant programs.
• Utilizes electronic data exchange software to send and retrieve information from the Department of Education.
• Maintains files and databases; certifies student loan applications; implements, maintains and utilizes computer assisted financial aid management systems.
• Maintains college regulatory compliance in all federal and state student assistance programs; submits reports to federal and state agencies.
• Makes adjustments to over-under awards by determining the amount of aid to be cancelled or repaid while ensuring accuracy in system data entry and processing, and contacting students regarding possible alternatives.
• Assists in one or more major areas of Financial Aid: processes direct loans through Electronic Fund Transfer; and validates financial aid verification documents for the Pell Grant Program.
• Interviews and advises students in regard to educational financial planning; assists the Director with educational grants and loan programs, student employment and scholarship programs.
• Assists students in the completion of the application for public benefits as a part of the financial aid award and works collaboratively with the Manager, Student Financial Aid and Peer Financial Coach.
• Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students, supervisors or other employees.
• Conducts financial aid and financial literacy workshops for prospective and continuing students.
• Contributes in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensures accuracy and equity in the delivery of financial aid programs by providing input, as needed.
• Performs other related duties within the job grade and job classification as assigned.

Required Qualifications Education and Experience/Training

• Bachelor's degree
• Three (3) years of professional financial aid experience in a college financial aid office
• Experience supporting student success in financial aid advising and financial planning

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations related to establishing student eligibility, financial aid awarding, disbursing of financial aid funds, and monitoring federal and state student financial aid programs.
• Proficient with an automated database system (i.e. BANNER)
• Basic skills in keyboarding, math, and grammar, word processing (MS Word) and spreadsheet applications (MS Excel)
• Superior organizational, customer service, problem solving, decision making and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Prioritize several tasks and assignments to meet department deadlines
• Accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Ability to be a reasonable, fair and equitable decision-maker
• Embodies a high level of integrity and maintains confidentiality
• Outstanding verbal communication and presentation skills
• Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial Literacy/Education Certification
• Experience working with automated financial aid systems
• Knowledge of federal IRS rules that deal with individual taxpayer returns

Essential Functions

The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment typically in a college environment. The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc. Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.

Special Note: This is a Full-Time 1199/SEIU Bargaining Unit, salary grade 9 position. Compensation is $54,812 annually. Full-Time (1199/SEIU) bargaining unit employees at Cuyahoga Community College will be considered first for vacant positions.

Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.

Affirmative Action Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.