Student Aid Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE

Financial Aid Advisor

DEPARTMENT

Administration

SUPERVISORY

REPORTS TO

Director of Financial Aid Operations

EEO Classification

Professionals

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for developing and finalizing student financial plans consistent with the financial aid department policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations for awarding student aid. This position works closely with students and their families with the application and awarding procedures. This role will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards for all aspects of the financial aid process. This includes customer service and relationships with other departments, timely and effective packaging for potential students, new students, continuing students, and returning students. This role will also be responsible assisting students and their families by providing resources and information on eligibility and application requirements for Federal Student Aid and other sources of financial assistance.

SUMMARY:

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for developing and finalizing student financial plans consistent with the financial aid department policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations for awarding student aid. This position works closely with students and their families with the application and awarding procedures. This role will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards for all aspects of the financial aid process. This includes customer service and relationships with other departments, timely and effective packaging for potential students, new students, continuing students, and returning students. This role will also be responsible assisting students and their families by providing resources and information on eligibility and application requirements for Federal Student Aid and other sources of financial assistance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• High level of professionalism and telephone etiquette.
• Possess excellent communication, analytical and customer service skills.
• Attention to detail and well-developed writing, listening, and interpersonal skills are essential skills required.
• Ability to be proactive, innovative and solutions oriented. Highly self-directed with solid problem-solving expertise.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands and willing to rearrange priorities to meet changing workload needs and deadline demands.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Oversees and performs federal student financial aid calculations with precision and accuracy in compliance with federal regulations.
• Assist students when applying for financial aid during the enrollment process. Also assists student with re-application and maintenance of funding throughout their program.
• Review financial aid applications and forms completed. Review for completeness, accuracy. Verify information reported on student applications to determine eligibility for awards, and process. Evaluate documented financial need and all documentation by students/legal guardians.
• Ensure that all necessary documents are uploaded and processed using the institution's financial aid management software and contracted servicers.
• Assist in follow up of students' institutional loan or financing plan payments.
• Significant understanding of federal regulations related to verification and processing of federal aid programs.
• Demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior in working with confidential information and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Abide by Federal and institutional code of conduct.
• Interpret, apply and comply with institutional policies and procedures. Interpret, apply and comply with federal, state, and institutional guidelines/regulation related to financial aid.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Enrollment Services, Education department, and other institutional personnel.
• Participate in all financial aid training, meeting, and events as assigned.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• General knowledge of the higher education industry preferred, but not required.
• All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE - SKILLS - ABILITIES:

• Must possess excellent customer service, communication, and organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a team player, possess a strong work ethic, and be able to coordinate multiple tasks while meeting required deadlines.
• Must be capable of working independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively within the organization.
• Proficient with basic office equipment, computers, and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess strong time management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, show extreme resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree in appropriate field highly preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of a financial aid advisor experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to drive positive results and improved quality.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws, and ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Must be student-focused individual with a passion for education.
• Willingness and ability to work hours in excess of a typical work week when necessary.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for professional access to Federal Student Aid systems.

WORKING / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Extensive use of office equipment including personal computer, multi-line phone system, copier, printer, facsimile, and postage meter.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; and have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Evening or weekend hours, if necessary, to meet deadlines and meet with prospective students.
• Willingness to work hours in excess of a typical work week when necessary.
• Ability to travel to institution's campuses as required.
• Travel to all campuses is required to provide on-ground operational support, assist with peak-volume periods, and provide interim coverage for absent staff members.
• The institution reserves the right to reassign employees to different campus sites, adjust work schedules, or alter job duties based on operational and staffing needs of the institution.
• This position is in an office setting with light to moderate noise levels, entails extended periods of sitting and computer work.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; and have sufficient hand, arm and finger dexterity to operate a phone, computer keyboard and other office equipment.