Student Financial Assistance Advisor

SUMMARY

The Student Financial Assistance Advisor ensures College goals are met with being the responsible partner for the overall management of financial aid services. This position analyzes the accuracy of data for determining the packaging of student financial awards in accordance with applicable regulations, statutes and policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determines the packaging of student financial aid awards in accordance with applicable regulations, statutes and policies
• Maintains files and databases; certifies student loan applications; implements, maintains and utilizes computer assisted financial aid management systems
• Takes appropriate action upon the discovery of suspected fraud cases
• Authorizes awarding of Tri-C Foundation scholarship and grant programs
• Maintains College regulatory compliance in all federal and state student assistance programs; submits reports to federal and state agencies
• Utilizes electronic data exchange software to send and retrieve information from the Department of Education
• Maintains awarding of Tri-C Foundation scholarship and grant programs
• Validates financial aid verification documents for the Pell Grant Program
• Conducts financial aid and financial literacy workshops for prospective and continuing students
• Processes direct loans through Electronic Fund Transfer
• Assists students in correcting excessive borrowing situations when they occur as well as returning to lender the portion of loan that exceeds federal limits
• Interviews and advises students in regard to educational financial planning; assists the Director with educational grants and loan programs, student employment and scholarship programs
• Works collaboratively with the Manager, Student Financial Aid and Peer Financial Coach
• Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students, supervisors or other employees
• Performs other related duties within the job grade and job classification as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience/Training: Bachelor’s degree; Three (3) years of professional financial aid experience in a college financial aid office
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations related to establishing student eligibility, financial aid awarding, disbursing of financial aid funds, and monitoring federal and state student financial aid programs; Proficient with an automated database system (i.e. BANNER); Basic skills in keyboarding, math, and grammar, word processing (MS Word) and spreadsheet applications (MS Excel); Superior organizational, customer service, problem solving, decision making and conflict resolution skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Prioritize several tasks and assignments to meet department deadlines; Accuracy and strong attention to detail; Ability to be a reasonable, fair and equitable decision-maker; Embodies a high level of integrity and maintains confidentiality; Outstanding verbal communication and presentation skills; Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Financial Literacy/Education Certification
• Experience working with automated financial aid systems

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Knowledge of federal IRS rules that deal with individual taxpayer returns

COMPENSATION

$54,812 annually

BARGAINING UNIT

Full-Time (1199/SEIU) bargaining unit employees at Cuyahoga Community College will be considered first for vacant positions.