Financial Aid Advocate

Georgia Gwinnett College • Lawrenceville, GA

219d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Advocate is a member of the Financial Aid Customer Service team and is responsible for advising students and their families of financial aid, including eligibility and awarding of federal, state, local, private and institutional aid. The Advocate keeps current on financial aid policies and regulations in order for proper awarding and disbursement of financial aid. Additionally, the Advocate schedules and conducts virtual appointments, answers call center tickets, and participates in call center financial aid training. The Financial Aid Advocate plays a key role in fostering a positive work environment with the expectation of continuous improvement and first-class customer service. The incumbent participates in divisional activities as a member of the Enrollment Management Services Division. Collaborative and team-oriented skills with a commitment to student success is essential attributes for the individual in this position.

Requirements

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree
• One year of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Banner
• Experience working in a Registrar's office or institution of higher education
• Experience in providing services to a range of students
• Experience in the use of technology including Microsoft Office and other software applications
• Experience with database systems
• Experience in providing customer service

Responsibilities

• Schedules and conducts virtual appointments; meets with students and parents concerning federal, state and institutional programs; provides face-to-face and external financial aid counseling to students and parents; counsels students regarding satisfactory academic progress requirements and related aspects; accepts and reviews documents
• Processes and notifies students of financial aid eligibility for incoming and continuing transfer and/or student abroad students; responds to correspondence (phone calls, e-mails and Call Center tickets)
• Meets with students and parents concerning student loan processes and deadlines for applying for aid; provides guidance in completing the required forms; advises students and parents of loan requirements and processes; provides directions regarding the awarding of loans to students and how the process of allocating funds to student accounts occurs
• Consults with students on how to research additional avenues for funding specifically related to students who owe balances or have extenuating financial circumstances
• Researches and interprets student financial aid program guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and program requirements
• Participates in the preparation for, and execution of, outreach programs and initiatives offered by the Office of Financial Aid Services, GGC campus partners and/or community partners; makes recommendations for potential outreach activities and initiatives; conducts financial aid presentations on and off campus
• Participates in national, regional, and state conferences pertaining to student financial aid programs, practices, and related technology and communicates information that may be needed by other GGC departments
• Serves on campus committees; performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Health and wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree