Financial Aid Advisor

Kirkwood Community College•Cedar Rapids, IA

43d•Onsite

About The Position

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions. GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: This position plays a key role in enacting the College's commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment to a diverse group of students seeking to learn and grow at Kirkwood. Financial Aid Advisors are responsible for advising students about the available resources to further their education. This position requires a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, organization, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate collaborates with staff and faculty to ensure students have the resources required to reach their educational goals and provides education and outreach to students. The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Humans Services or related field
One year of financial aid experience
One year full time work experience in higher education

Responsibilities

Maintain up to date expert knowledge of federal and state Financial Aid regulations.
Develop an individualized plan for financing a student's education: help navigate the financial aid process, identify internal and external financial resources, identify financial options, support good academic planning and financial decision making
Provide individualized student support and skill building related to financial aid, financial and academic planning and refer students to college and community resources.
Monitor student progress and teach financial literacy skills, financial aid requirements and milestones necessary for academic and financial success.
Teach students problem-solving skills that support growth toward academic and financial autonomy.
Consult about financial considerations with faculty and staff who are supporting students.
Provide support to staff regarding financial aid questions.
Assist with the processing of financial aid forms.
Assist with answering calls to the Student Services Call Center as needed.
Maintain working knowledge of degree audits to determine if a student is making satisfactory academic progress.
Create and deliver presentations to students, families, faculty, staff and other groups about financial aid process, financial aid regulations, and financial literacy.
May assist with Professional Judgement determinations regarding financial aid eligibility.
Advise students on enrollment policies and procedures.
Perform other related work duties as assigned.