Financial Aid Advisor
Provides student-focused service and guidance regarding student aid programs, educational funding options, and the financial aid application process.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
- Rotates with other personnel to handle “on demand/walk-in” student aid advising.
- Facilitates student financial aid file review. Verifies application information and assesses the validity of documentation including the review and correction of student aid reports. Packages and awards student financial aid in accordance with institutional and governmental policies and regulations.
- Manages federal grant and loan origination & disbursement reporting (COD) via electronic processes.
- Assists in aid transfer processes to the accounting department. Handles regular reconciliation of accounts for assigned programs.
- Monitors GradesFirst enrollment confirmation and early alerts for attendance issues and takes appropriate action regarding aid eligibility.
- Serve as a Certifying Official to recipients of Veterans Education Benefits.
- Responsible for processing applications, administering and managing all State aid programs.
- Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure student eligibility for employment (work-study) placement and new student orientations. Processes student employment paperwork, posts/monitors student employment earnings, tracks FWS expenditures and keeps director informed. Acts as liaison for off-campus student employment placement and responsible for maintenance/renewal of off-campus contracts
- Cross-trains with other staff as backup for retrieval of electronic applications for the Department of Education secure site.
- Participates in college night and community events to present financial aid information.
- Maintains current knowledge of federal and state aid regulations as they relate to assigned duties as well as institutional goals and objectives regarding financial aid.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION – Works under the general supervision of the director of financial aid.
ATTENDANCE – Individuals in this position are expected to be generally available during the normal business day throughout the calendar year, and occasionally as needed in evenings.
WORKING CONDITIONS – Conditions are generally those of a typical office environment, requiring frequent online and oral communication with students and office colleagues, and occasionally with subject matter experts from the federal and state governments and other colleges. Individuals must have the ability to enter data and written communications in electronic format in a timely manner, and to occasionally participate in public presentations. Occasional evening travel on rural roads under winter conditions may be necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required
- One to three years of related experience, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.
- Ability to work individually as well as part of a team.
- Must demonstrate strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Knowledge and experience in using a large database system.
- Willingness and ability to occasionally travel during evening hours and winter conditions within the Kirtland service region.
- Demonstrated ability to process and maintain information that is often ambiguous and highly confidential. Must understand and adhere to procedural and confidentiality requirements.
- Previous experience in a financial aid office or postsecondary institution preferred.
JOB DIMENSIONS – Knowledge of work, planning and organizing, self-reliance, sensitivity, attention to detail, work standards, initiative, stress tolerance, technical/professional self-development, analysis, judgment, commitment to the College, teamwork, dependability, communication
Kirtland Community College is an equal opportunity employer
* This job description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person in this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
02/2020