University Administration Sr. Financial Aid Advisor

West Coast University•Irvine, CA

2d•Remote

About The Position

The University Administration (UA) Sr. Financial Aid Advisor delivers on our commitment of Student Centricity by building rapport, delivering clear and accurate information, offering effective solutions, and maintaining contact with students, their families, and other influencers as they move through the financial aid process. UA Sr. Financial Aid Advisors is considered an expert in Financial Aid advising. They support students actively attending West Coast University and provide support to ensure that students are properly packaged for each academic year as the primary point of contact for all active students. These associates are also responsible for making necessary changes to student awards in a timely manner, responding to all tasks triggered for active students and assisting students with resolving any problems that may occur in the financial aid process. They also ensure all balances are covered each academic year and prior to graduation and partner with other UA teams to ensure all packaged funds disburse timely and for approved amounts. Further, each associate is responsible for managing a student caseload and achieving stated operational outcomes for their caseload. This role may also serve in the place of the FA Manager in their absence and provides training, mentoring and day-to-day support as needed for newer Financial Aid Advisors. A successful UA Sr. Financial Aid Advisor will enjoy working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, be detail oriented with strong follow-up skills, communicate in a friendly and compassionate manner and thrive in an environment where new tasks and projects are available to grow their skillset. This position requires alternate work hours to support students across all time zones including nights and weekend work as needed.

Requirements

6 years customer service required.
6 years financial aid required.
May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment of a federal grant.
Must consent to audio and video recording of student financial aid appointments for training and quality assurance purposes required.
Demonstrates highest level of integrity, professional ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions.
Strong customer service skills with focus on student success.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Higher than average computer skills.
Multi-Tasking and Time Management Skills; can adapt to a changing fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University is preferred.
Experienced candidates will be considered without a degree provided they have more than 10 years of financial aid experience and a combination of experience and education comparable to a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Ensures students are properly packaged for the prior AYs as they initiate the re-packaging process.
Supports students through the repackaging process and maintains ongoing student contact, ensuring financial aid and other sources of aid is secured, and making certain required documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
Calculates and initiates student financial aid offers, and payment plans to help each student cover the cost of education for each academic year. Also accurately make updates to packaging throughout a student’s program.
Provides the best possible experience for students during every interaction by displaying compassion, composure, and offering compelling reasons to complete the next steps within proper time frames.
Recognizes hidden issues and offers creative solutions to assist students in addressing barriers to continuing in school.
Helps students solve any problems that may arise in the financial aid process.
Positions the value of West Coast University (WCU) by matching WCU benefits to student/influencer needs and values throughout all interactions.
Ensures all processing related to students’ financial aid are administered accurately and timely and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Navigates students/influencers through the financial aid process by clarifying process steps, reviewing where they are in the overall process.
Educates students on federal aid borrower’s rights and responsibilities, FAFSA completion, loan acceptance/denial, scholarships and alternative funding options that help resolve financing issues.
Works proactively with campus teams to support the needs of students and improve student and operational outcomes.
Executes the appropriate contact strategy and ensures that all students receive the proper follow up and achieve the appropriate milestones in the financial aid process.
Manages an assigned student caseload through a variety of tools and processes to ensure students receive the service they need and to ensure operational outcomes are achieved.
Partners with other UA teams to ensure that packaged funds disburse timely and for approved amounts, this includes first academic year funds so.
Handles escalated student requests and complex financial aid processes including overseeing one or more processes to support all WCU campuses.
Adheres to College/University policies and procedures and conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the College/University’s policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
Other duties as assigned.