Financial Aid Advisor

At Palm Beach State College, you will discover a place where ideas come to life and the heartbeat of a county begins. By joining us, you will be exposed to professionals from across the U.S. and abroad who are the strivers, reinventors, explorers, and influencers dedicated to developing talent that fills the most needed workforce roles. As the Panthers, we embrace a community of belonging, caring, and connection for our students and employees. We seek creative individuals to help PBSC fulfill its mission of inspiring hope, advancing skills, and transforming lives.

About the Role

Under general supervision, responsible for providing financial aid guidance to prospective, currently enrolled students, parents, and the community. Evaluates and analyzes financial information submitted by applicants to determine eligibility for financial assistance and determine type and amount of aid to be awarded in accordance with established federal and college standards and guidelines. This role will require working a fluctuating schedule to include nights, weekends, and at other campuses as scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive counseling to students (both currently enrolled and prospective) and their families regarding the financial aid process and eligibility, utilizing a variety of formats.
• Advises students on all financial aid awards and other alternative financing options when applicable.
• Reviews student financial aid applications for completeness and compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Prepares presentations and conducts financial aid workshops, new student orientation, and other events in support of enrollment and recruitment activities.
• Explains loan options and ensures that students and co-signers understand their repayment responsibilities.
• Counsels students and families to educate them on their expected family contribution (EFC) and how it affects financial aid eligibility.
• Provides guidance and counsel to students considering withdrawing from all classes, informing them of the return of Title IV funds process and ramifications of withdrawing, and advising on how to regain financial aid for future semesters.
• Reviews and evaluates verification, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and special circumstances documentation for completeness and accuracy to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Evaluates, monitors, and advises students regarding their Satisfactory Academic Progress plan to ensure adherence to the policy.
• Determines if students qualify for unusual or mitigating circumstances and counsels them on the process for their specific needs.
• Stays abreast of regulatory updates and changes through professional development within the scope of managing caseloads.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two years of related work experience

Knowledge Of

• Federal, State, Local, and County applicable financial aid laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications
• Federal needs analysis formula
• IRS tax laws related to financial aid
• Difference between clock hour and credit hour programs and the awarding methodology for each program
• Academic Advising Principles

Skills

• Attention to detail while maintaining effective time and task management
• Fact-finding, analysis, and problem-solving
• Critical thinking and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact positively with diverse populations and varying education levels of students, faculty, staff, and the public
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness
• Effective verbal and written communication with internal and external customers, building relationships, managing customer expectations, and taking responsibility for a high level of service

Licenses, Registration, Certifications, or Special Requirements

• Regular physical attendance required
• Must not be debarred from Title IV Programs and not in default on Title IV student loans

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years of related work experience
• Written and spoken bilingual communication

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Reach and grasp objects - Daily
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl - Daily
• Use of video display terminal - Daily
• Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills - Daily
• Communicate information orally and in writing - Daily
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication - Daily
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy - Daily
• Work a fluctuating work schedule - Weekly

Pay

The minimum base pay for this position starts at $44,587.00 annually; however, the offer may vary based on the candidate’s education and experience.

Benefits

Culture

Be part of an inclusive, Panther First environment where every role has a purpose, and employees have a sense of belonging.

Education Benefits

• Tuition fee waiver at PBSC
• Tuition reimbursement
• Degree recognition award
• Educational leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness institution

Health and Wellness

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Parental leave

Generous Time Off

• Vacation and sick leave
• Holidays
• Spring and winter breaks offering additional paid time off

Panther Perks

• Potential remote or hybrid opportunities
• Wellness programs and apps related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more

Professional Development

• Leadership programs
• Professional learning workshops

Retirement Investments

• State retirement plan options
• Voluntary 403(b) and 457 plans