Financial Aid Advisor

Job Title : Financial Aid Advisor

Department : Student Financial Services

Reports to : Director of Student Financial Aid

FLSA Status : Exempt

Salary Range : $45,000 - $50,000

(This is a continuous recruitment position. Candidates will be considered when an opening is available.)

OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued, and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students.  Regardless of the title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision from the Director of Student Financial Services, this position facilitates the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students by assisting students in completing financial aid application processes; determine aid eligibility, and counseling students and families on financing options and payments plans. The ideal candidate will be an independent and organized worker who is self-disciplined and motivated and able to work with minimal supervision under strict deadlines and a heavy workload.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Counsels and advises students and parents and other individuals regarding financial aid, financing options to prepare students for the financial clearance process.
• Educates students on budgeting, debt management, and alternative ways to manage expenses associated with a college education.
• Confers with individuals and groups to disseminate information and answer questions relating to financial assistance available to students enrolled in the university.
• Consults with students to obtain information needed to determine eligibility for aid.
• Determines student eligibility for financial aid through verification and makes financial aid decisions and awards for students.
• Responsible for the financial aid processes for students, which includes verifying and monitoring student files.
• Participates in trainings and conferences
• Serves as a liaison between financial aid and admissions / recruiting in an overall effort to achieve student satisfaction.
• Manages disbursement and reconciliation of the Federal Direct loan and private alternative loan programs.
• Attends recruitment events and conducts financial aid seminars (local and out of state) for students and parents during open-houses and other times as assigned (including evenings and weekends).
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all activities in the Student Financial Services office.
• Supports and affirms a culture of distinctive excellence and exceptional service.
• Attends university events and required meetings
• Attends mandatory weekly Convocation
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Receives direct supervision from the Director of Student Financial Services and Executive Vice President for Finance.

QUALIFICATIONS

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform the job successfully.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience :

Language Skills :

Mathematical and Technology Skills :

Reasoning Ability :

Other Skills and Abilities :

BENEFITS :

The full fringe benefit plan includes but is not limited to :

LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES

Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Washington Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans

with Disabilities Act and Maryland law. As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.