Financial Aid Advisor

Flathead Valley Community College•Kalispell, MT

2d•$40,000 - $48,000

About The Position

The Financial Aid Advisor supports the educational goals of students that range from first-generation college students to non-traditional students; equitably distributes financial resources to an economically diverse population and meets the needs of our community. Essential duties Assists students, parents and families understand the process of applying for financial aid and assists applicants to determine the best type(s) of aid available to them. Provides comprehensive financial aid advising services including, but not limited to, eligibility, verification, work-study, scholarships, and loan counseling. Assists students in meeting their financial aid requirements which relate to academic success; refers students to appropriate services. Provides support for students on academic probation and/or nearing completion or graduation. Consults with faculty on attendance, reviews rosters, and provides guidance accordingly. Collaborates with other campus offices, including Admissions and Registration, Academic Advising, Business Office, and Human Resources to ensure coordinated delivery of student success support. Reviews and evaluates funding packages, reconciles, and reviews discrepancies, and provides guidance to students. Provides financial literacy services and outreach aimed at educating students and the campus community about healthy financial practices, student loan debt management, repayment options and cohort default rates. Maintains an accurate recordkeeping and processing system to ensure compliance. Interprets and maintains knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations. Completes certifications for outside agencies; may serve as a Veterans’ Certifying Official. Delivers quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a helpful and courteous professional manner. May present to groups on financial aid programs and processes. Serves on internal and external boards and committees. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in applicable areas to help build strategic initiatives. Attends related training, workshops, and professional development. Cross trains to perform other departmental and team functions; backfills for staff as needed. Actively participates in the development of a climate that promotes and supports innovation and efforts to continuously improve services to students, faculty, and the College. Creates and maintains a collaborative and collegial environment with colleagues and maintains effective working relationships. Maintains professional ethics and confidentiality of students in accordance with applicable laws and policies. Advances the mission of FVCC by serving on or convening committees and contributing in the community in college-related activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Reports to the Financial Aid Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field, OR Associate’s degree in related field AND two years of financial/administrative work experience, OR An equivalent combination of four years of higher education courses and financial/administrative work experience.
Ability and willingness to provide quality customer service experience.
Ability to be a contributing member in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to follow financial aid federal, state and institutional regulations, policy and procedures.
Ability to be adaptive in a continuously changing and fast paced environment.
Skill and ability to operate a variety of computer applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and information systems.
Skill with general office practices and procedures.
Ability to prioritize and efficiently perform a variety of complex tasks.
Ability to explain complex processes to a variety of people.
Ability to work within policies and procedures of FVCC.
Ability and willingness to serve as an ambassador for the College by interacting appropriately with the college community and community.
Ability to maintain effective and positive professional relationships .
Ability to follow and issue directions.
Demonstrated communication, technology, presentation, customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
Ability to intermittently work non-traditional schedules including evenings, weekends, etc.
Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance levels .
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Ability to respond in the event of an emergency.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with financial aid programs and software.
Experience working in higher education or public organization.

Responsibilities

Assists students, parents and families understand the process of applying for financial aid and assists applicants to determine the best type(s) of aid available to them.
Provides comprehensive financial aid advising services including, but not limited to, eligibility, verification, work-study, scholarships, and loan counseling.
Assists students in meeting their financial aid requirements which relate to academic success; refers students to appropriate services.
Provides support for students on academic probation and/or nearing completion or graduation.
Consults with faculty on attendance, reviews rosters, and provides guidance accordingly.
Collaborates with other campus offices, including Admissions and Registration, Academic Advising, Business Office, and Human Resources to ensure coordinated delivery of student success support.
Reviews and evaluates funding packages, reconciles, and reviews discrepancies, and provides guidance to students.
Provides financial literacy services and outreach aimed at educating students and the campus community about healthy financial practices, student loan debt management, repayment options and cohort default rates.
Maintains an accurate recordkeeping and processing system to ensure compliance.
Interprets and maintains knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
Completes certifications for outside agencies; may serve as a Veterans’ Certifying Official.
Delivers quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a helpful and courteous professional manner.
May present to groups on financial aid programs and processes.
Serves on internal and external boards and committees.
Keeps abreast of the latest developments in applicable areas to help build strategic initiatives.
Attends related training, workshops, and professional development.
Cross trains to perform other departmental and team functions; backfills for staff as needed.
Actively participates in the development of a climate that promotes and supports innovation and efforts to continuously improve services to students, faculty, and the College.
Creates and maintains a collaborative and collegial environment with colleagues and maintains effective working relationships.
Maintains professional ethics and confidentiality of students in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
Advances the mission of FVCC by serving on or convening committees and contributing in the community in college-related activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.