Full Time - Financial Aid Advisor

Job Summary

Provides support for financial aid verification and processing activities by reviewing documentation, resolving discrepancies, and determining eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Use independent judgment to evaluate verification documents, identify conflicting information, and ensure accurate and timely processing of financial aid files.

Collaborates regularly with students, faculty, staff, and campus departments to facilitate the delivery of financial aid services and maintain regulatory compliance. Guides students regarding financial aid eligibility, verification requirements, federal and state aid programs, satisfactory academic progress, dependency status, professional judgment, and responsible borrowing practices.

Processes verification applications and supporting documentation while ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations and institutional policies. Assists with quality assurance reviews, maintains accurate student records, and supports audit and program review activities. Utilizes financial aid management systems to process corrections, monitor outstanding requirements, and communicate with students regarding required documentation.

Contributes to the effective administration of financial aid programs by providing exceptional customer service, maintaining regulatory knowledge, and supporting continuous improvement of financial aid processes and procedures. Principal Accountabilities

1. Verification Administration Review and process verification applications and support documentation in compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. Analyze FAFSA data, tax returns, IRS transcripts, income documentation, household information, asset information, and other required records to determine financial aid eligibility and resolve conflicting information. Evaluate dependency status, unusual circumstances, and other eligibility factors in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Process verification corrections and updates to student records accurately and efficiently. Maintain detailed documentation supporting verification determinations, eligibility decisions, and compliance requirements. Collaborate with students, faculty, and campus departments to obtain and verify required documentation and ensure timely completion of financial aid files. Notify students regarding missing documentation, verification requirements, file discrepancies, and financial aid eligibility impacts. Manage documentation workflows by tracking outstanding requirements, organizing records, and facilitating timely processing of student files. Support the development and continuous improvement of verification procedures that strengthen compliance, improve efficiency, and promote exceptional student service.
2. Advising Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling and customer service to current, prospective, and former students and their families through multiple communication channels, including in-person, telephone, email, text, and other student engagement platforms. Exercise discretion and independent judgment when advising students on financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study opportunities, and financial literacy resources. Assist students in resolving complex financial aid issues by interpreting federal, state, and institutional regulations and identifying appropriate solutions. Conduct professional judgment reviews by evaluating student circumstances and supporting documentation and adjusting as warranted in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Provide guidance regarding verification requirements, satisfactory academic progress, financial aid eligibility, dependency status, and special circumstances.
3. Financial Aid Operations and Compliance Provide operational support in the administration of financial aid programs and services. Collaborate with financial aid leadership and campus partners to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. Review student records for accuracy and completeness and assist in resolving discrepancies affecting financial aid eligibility. Utilize Ellucian Banner, BDMS, and other technology solutions to support efficient processing, maintain data integrity, improve service delivery, and promote effective administration of financial aid programs. Assist with audits, program reviews, quality assurance initiatives, and compliance-related activities as needed.
4. Additional Financial Aid Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned in support of Financial Aid operations.

Responsibilities

may include reviewing financial aid appeals, evaluating endowed scholarship applications, reviewing donor acknowledgment and thank-you correspondence, conducting FAFSA® presentations and outreach activities, supporting student loan default prevention initiatives, processing scholarship payments, completing verification reviews, conducting professional judgment evaluations, awarding and packaging financial aid, assisting with veteran education benefit processing, and supporting other departmental programs and services.