Financial Aid Advisor I

Aims Community College

Aims Community College seeks applications for a Financial Aid Advisor I.

Job Description

This position advises prospective and current students and their parents on financial aid, scholarships, educational programs available, admissions procedures, and general college information. Advisors help match financial aid options to career and enrollment plans and provide financial aid information for students who plan to transfer to 4-year institutions. In addition, this position may have responsibility for specific emphasis in the office as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director (i.e. Satisfactory Academic Progress, Student Employment, Scholarships, Loans, Veterans’ Services, Professional Judgment, Special Circumstances or Populations, Default Management, etc.). Management of Specific Financial Aid Programs or Funds: Develop applications, forms, and processes for students to access specific funds. Develop marketing strategies and develop presentations to provide information to groups of students, internal and external constituents, program directors, and others regarding specific funds and aid programs. Process applications, enrollment certifications, documents and reports for specific aid programs. This includes verifying eligibility for specific aid programs using federal, state, institutional or private regulations, criteria, and guidelines. Enter data into Banner, Excel spreadsheets, and other systems in order to track, develop reports, and reconcile funds. Student Support: Provide one-to-one assistance in a confidential setting to determine student’s individual situation and to provide guidance for next steps. This includes meeting individually with the student or talking with the student on the phone for in-depth advising regarding their educational and career goals, enrollment plans, and financial aid eligibility. Advisors determine if referrals need to be made for other supportive services – both internal and external. Talking with students about transfer options and financial aid eligibility at a four-year school. Front Counter & Call Center Support: Provide assistance to prospective and current students and/or their families regarding general financial aid information, how to apply, next steps required in the process, and general college information about admissions, registration, and other procedures. This is done primarily at the front counter and in the Financial Aid call center. Trainings: Attend training, meetings, webinars, and conferences regarding specific aid programs and support services. Attend training, meetings, webinars and conferences on a regular basis to remain current with federal, state and institutional rules and regulations governing financial aid, admissions, registration, etc. Keep up-to-date on system changes in Banner as well as changes to the FAFSA. Provide input on office processes and document changes in relation to these changes. Internal Department Collaboration: Collaborate with office peers and staff in other departments on campus, especially within the Student Services area, to provide coordinated services for students. This includes working closely with Academic Advising, TRIO programs, Cashier’s Office, Aims Foundation, and program directors to match funding options to individual and groups of students. Work closely with external constituents that provide funds and services for students. Financial Aid Department Support: Provide specific financial aid, scholarship, and other support information and updates to support staff at other campuses or in group settings as requested. Other duties as assigned by Assistant Director or Executive Director. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Advising, Higher Education, or other related field plus one (1) year of experience in college advisement, career counseling, financial aid advisement, and/or teaching OR Associates degree in Advising, Higher Education, or other related field plus three (3) years of experience in college advisement, career counseling, financial aid advisement, or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience. Ability to travel between campuses using a personal vehicle. Must provide proof of a valid driver’s license and insurability . Strong customer service background in a high-traffic office with demonstrated commitment to excellence. Experience using Microsoft products including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook or an equivalent electronic communications software. Experience working with a variety of populations in a diverse community setting. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: One to three years’ experience in financial aid. Experience with U.S. Department of Education financial aid regulations, software, and database applications such as COD, NSLDS, FAA Access, etc. Experience with Veterans’ Administration reporting system Bilingual in English and Spanish. Experience using Ellucian Banner financial aid software. Ability to work/travel during the evenings and weekends. Required Documents: Resume Cover Letter Diversity Statement Copy of Driver’s License and Proof of Insurabilit Please Note: All required documents can be uploaded in the “my experience” section of the application under Required Documents. ​​Minimum Payment Amount: $44,451.00 Employees in these positions may be asked to participate in temporary assignments lasting less than 6 months (such as curriculum development, short term projects, meetings and substitute duties) which could amount to additional temporary pay. Pay Rate Type: Salary Included with Aims Full-time Employment is a generous package of Benefits, most are listed below: Benefits are effective immediately 100% employer provided medical & dental coverage employees (employee only option) 85% employer provided medical & dental coverage for employee’s spouse and/or family Voluntary vision insurance Staff Annual Leave (minimum accrual of 15 days) & Sick (minimum accrual of 12 days) 17 paid holidays and 3 personal days each year Summer schedule: 4 day work week – Fridays Off Employer paid long-term disability and life insurance premiums Tuition waiver & reimbursement for employees Tuition waiver for dependents PERA employer (see www.copera.org for comprehensive benefits) Additional supplemental benefits & retirement programs available Access to the PERC (Aims gym) for employee & one guest Free parking on all campuses Part-time employees also receive some benefits depending on the number of hours worked. Tuition waiver for employee on Aims courses Access to the PERC (Aims gym) for employee & one guest Aims Discount program Free parking on all campuses PERA employer (see www.copera.org for comprehensive benefits) Additional supplemental benefits & retirement programs available Screening/Selection: If you need assistance with this process please contact Human Resources. Initial screening will be conducted by a committee based on completed application materials. Please be prepared to submit the following, if required: • Cover Letter addressing qualifications relative to position requirements • Resume • Diversity Statement; see below • Teaching Philosophy (for faculty positions only) • Copy of Transcripts for all positions. Official transcripts will be required if hired for all Full Time positions Diversity Statement Instructions Aims Community College recognizes and celebrates diversity within our students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to equity and inclusion to improve the learning experiences of all students and the working conditions of all employees. In your diversity statement, please provide your interpretation of what it means to serve a diverse community and work in an inclusive environment. Please include specific examples for how your background, education, and/or professional experience have prepared you to fulfill those responsibilities in this position. As you consider what to put in your statement, please note Aims Community College is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, or any other protected class.

Application Instructions

In order to be considered please provide a thorough and complete application. Clearly document job duties performed that relate to responsibilities, qualifications, and essential job duties in the “Work Experience” section on the application. We evaluate your experience based on this information. Clearly outline dates of employment and hours worked per week or credit hours worked per term for each employment experience listed in the Work Experience section of the Application. Please make sure you state whether work experience (aka work history) is part time or full time employment (full time is 40 or more hours per week). Be sure to upload all the required documents listed at the bottom of the Job Description. This can be uploaded as part of your application materials in the “My Experience” section. If there are missing documents, your incomplete application will not be considered. Upon hire, all positions at Aims Community College require a criminal background check, and may require a MVR, and/or drug screen. Keep in mind, a conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being employed. The nature of a conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.