Financial Aid Advisor I

College of The Albemarle•COA - Elizabeth City, NC

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Technician I provides technical and administrative support for the College's financial aid programs and services. The position assists students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies by providing information regarding financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and related policies and procedures. Responsibilities include processing financial aid documentation, maintaining student records, supporting scholarship and grant programs, monitoring compliance requirements, and assisting with the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial assistance programs. The Financial Aid Technician I receives general supervision from the Director, Financial Aid.

Requirements

Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
One (1) year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, customer service, clerical support, or related office operations.
Experience utilizing computer systems, databases, and office software applications.
Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Experience working in financial aid, admissions, student services, or higher education.
Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Etrieve, FAFSA processing, or related student information systems.
Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and regulations.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for financial aid inquiries and provide information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications, scholarship applications, and related documentation.
Respond to inquiries by phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.
Provide guidance regarding satisfactory academic progress requirements, financial aid eligibility, and available student support resources.
Assist with financial aid presentations, workshops, orientations, and outreach activities.
Review, verify, and process financial aid documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Maintain student financial aid records within the College's student information and document management systems.
Monitor student files and communicate missing or incomplete documentation requirements.
Research discrepancies and assist in resolving student financial aid issues.
Prepare reports and maintain accurate records related to financial aid processing and program administration.
Assist in administering federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and special assistance programs.
Coordinate Federal Work-Study processes, including student eligibility, placement coordination, payroll monitoring, and program reconciliation.
Assist with administration of institutional scholarship programs and donor-funded awards.
Coordinate third-party funding programs and outside agency sponsorships in accordance with established requirements.
Assist with administration of emergency assistance, targeted assistance, and other student support funding programs as assigned.
Monitor student eligibility and enrollment requirements related to assigned programs.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and financial aid information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Assist in ensuring compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, College policies, and program requirements.
Participate in audits, program reviews, reporting activities, and compliance monitoring as assigned.
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices through training and professional development activities.
Collaborate with the Business Office, Registrar's Office, Student Services, and other departments to ensure accurate processing of student financial aid.
Perform other related duties as assigned.