Financial Aid Advisor – DeSoto Center

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required.
• Experience with computer data entry and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience operating standard office equipment in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer and student service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive, approachable, and collaborative demeanor with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred and previous financial aid experience; OR
• Two (2) years of experience in financial aid, student counseling, enrollment services, higher education administration, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with student information systems, financial aid management systems, or related higher education software.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, analyze student records, and resolve complex student issues.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Student Advising and Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to student inquiries via phone, email, and in person regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
• Aid students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving application issues.
• Guide students through verification requirements and the submission of required documentation.
• Aid students with Mississippi state aid applications, Master Promissory Notes (MPNs), Entrance Counseling, and federal loan requests.
• Refer students to appropriate college departments when inquiries fall outside the scope of financial aid.
• Educate students and families regarding financial aid options, policies, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Processing

• Award Mississippi state aid programs in accordance with state guidelines and funding allocations.
• Award Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and other external awards based on eligibility and supporting documentation.
• Process Dual Enrollment financial aid awards as authorized.
• Review and process financial aid records, including unresolved or incomplete ISIRs.
• Aid students with registration issues related to financial aid eligibility, including the use of Incomplete Slips when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and program-specific regulations.
• Absorb and process end-of-term grade verification reports and reconcile Mississippi state aid awards.

Compliance and Reporting

• Submit enrollment verification reports to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid following established deadlines.
• Monitor student enrollment to ensure compliance with state and federal aid requirements.
• Review student schedules and enrollment status to ensure eligibility for financial aid programs.
• Verify Pell Grant eligibility and award sequencing prior to scholarship application.

Operational Support

• Collaborate with campus departments to support student success and enrollment goals.
• Aid the District Director of Financial Aid with reports, projects, audits, and special assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in professional development and training to remain current on financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to supporting student success and promoting access to higher education.