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
• Maintains College regulatory compliance in all federal and state student assistance programs; submits reports to federal and state agencies
• Takes appropriate action upon the discovery of suspected fraud cases
• Authorizes awarding of Tri-C Foundation scholarship and grant programs
• Utilizes electronic data exchange software to send and retrieve information from the Department of Education
• Makes adjustments to over-under awards by determining the amount of aid to be cancelled or repaid while ensuring accuracy in system data entry and processing, and contacting students regarding possible alternatives
• Affords support in one or more major areas of Financial Aid: processes direct loans through Electronic Fund Transfer; and validates financial aid verification documents for the Pell Grant Program
• Assists students in the completion of the application for public benefits as a part of the financial aid award and 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
• Conducts financial aid and financial literacy workshops for prospective and continuing students
• Contributes in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensures accuracy and equity in the delivery of financial aid programs by providing input, as needed

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three (3) years of professional financial aid experience in a college financial aid office
• Experience supporting student success in financial aid advising and financial planning

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
• Embolishes a high level of integrity and maintains confidentiality
• Outstanding verbal communication and presentation skills
• Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of the community

PREFERRED (Or equivalent job-related experience providing the necessary knowledge, skill, and abilities to perform the functions of this position proficiently)

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment typically in a college environment.
• The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type.
• However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.
• Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.

Special Note

If hired, you must reside in the state of Ohio and be within commuting distance of this work location/campus to respond to onsite work demands upon the employment start date and throughout the duration of your employment with the College, as outlined in 3354:1-40-01.1 Recruitment and Selection Procedure.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.