Financial Aid Advisor

Ranger College•Ranger, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Advisor, under the direction of the Financial Aid Director, provides financial aid services to students. This role involves conducting student need analysis, performing federal verifications and packaging of student aid, certifying federal loan eligibility, providing financial aid counseling, and making professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement.
Demonstrated experience in student financial aid directly related to financial aid counseling, eligibility determination, need analysis, verification and packaging required.
Experience with personal computers and on-line data systems required.
Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and supporting regulations.
Working knowledge of current tax forms, regulations, and the implications of such regulations on financial aid.
Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
Ability to defuse difficult, angry, or emotional situations with students and/or parents.
Ability to prioritize and manage a significant caseload.
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
Ability to interpret and explain regulatory information related to the financial aid process.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual desirable

Responsibilities

Conducts needs analysis in compliance with federal criteria to determine the relative eligibility of each financial aid applicant.
Conducts verification of student and parent application data in compliance with federal criteria.
Determines the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded through the packaging process according to federal, state and institutional requirements. Monitors individual student awards. Resolves data conflicts and over awards.
Works with Financial Aid Director on individual student appeals concerning eligibility. Utilizes professional judgment to adjust a student’s eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal statutes. May refer complex eligibility situations to the Financial Aid Director.
Provides financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of financial aid process. Makes necessary referrals to other student service offices.
Provides support to students experiencing family, personal or economic crises which may impact school performance. Specific focus on working with special needs populations to identify unique needs and coordinate appropriate services.
Monitors and evaluates satisfactory academic progress of students. Assists Financial Aid Director with adjudication of student appeals relating to academic progress.
Interacts with appropriate outside entities to facilitate the student eligibility process.
Participates in the development of institutional financial aid policies and procedures that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.
Maintains appropriate documentation via data entry system.
Participates in annual training and professional organizations to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
Performs other duties as assigned.