Financial Aid Advisor

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Financial Aid & Scholarships team, the Financial Aid Advisor is primarily responsible for advising students and families regarding educational funding and financial aid processes through two-way conversations. This position serves as the primary point of contact for students with financial situations and needs of moderate complexity. The Financial Aid Advisor meets with students in walk-in or scheduled appointments to address their educational funding needs, including but not limited to: the completion of funding applications, required documentation, and the completion of tasks that lead to the successful disbursement of funding. The Financial Aid Advisor participates in recruitment initiatives and outreach programs, retention work, orientation, and graduation activities. The Financial Aid Advisor works collaboratively with colleagues across campus to provide wrap-around support for all issues, helping students navigate to additional resources as necessary. Some evenings, weekends, and holiday hours may be required.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
One (1) year of professional level experience in a financial aid, admissions and/or scholarships office, or related field that focuses on customer service(s) within a financial context (ex. banking, Advisory, Wealth Management, Insurance, etc.).
Two (2) or more years of student worker experience in a Financial Aid Office may be considered in lieu of professional experience.
Ability to interpret complex information and use it to inform decision making.
Ability to find effective solutions by taking a holistic perspective.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and master complex information.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding customer service skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
Ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.
Working knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations governing financial aid.
Demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service, providing internal and external customers with information or assistance in resolving problems.
Adapts quickly to change and is able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a calm, organized manner; is open to new ideas and methods; is able to work independently and as part of a team.
Sets priorities, anticipates obstacles when planning, manages time effectively to accomplish tasks.
Adept at utilizing technology to effectively communicate and complete work (e.g., MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, CRM, SIS); ability to learn new technology.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of professional experience working in a financial aid office.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Training in de-escalation and/or customer service.
Experience working with student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft or Banner).

Responsibilities

Advise students, families, and community members about the financial aid process, funding options, costs, and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
Interpret financial aid requirements in accordance with federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policy and procedure.
Determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
Exercise professional judgment for individual and special circumstances.
Articulate to students, families, and other members of the community how changes to the FAFSA or CASFA will affect financial need, dependency status, and/or student cost of attendance.
Maintain accuracy and compliance when awarding and adjusting financial aid on individual student aid packages.
Participate in outreach events, both on and off-campus, as a representative of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.