University Administration Financial Aid Advisor

About the Role

The University Administration (UA) Financial Aid Advisor delivers on our commitment of Student Centricity by building rapport, delivering clear and accurate information, offering effective solutions, and maintaining contact with students, their families, and other influencers as they move through the financial aid process. UA Financial Aid Advisors support students beginning their education at West Coast University (WCU) and those actively attending by ensuring students are properly packaged for each academic year across all WCU locations. This position requires alternate work hours to support students across all time zones, including nights and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Understand program makeup, funding programs, and packaging standards for all WCU campuses, including ground and online programs spanning undergraduate and graduate funding eligibility.
• Ensure students are properly packaged for prior academic years as they initiate the repackaging process.
• Support students through the initial and repackaging process, maintaining ongoing contact to secure financial aid and other sources of aid, ensuring required documents are submitted accurately and timely.
• Calculate and initiate student financial aid offers and payment plans to cover the cost of education for each academic year, and make accurate updates to packaging throughout a student’s program.
• Provide the best possible experience for students during every interaction by displaying compassion, composure, and offering compelling reasons to complete next steps within proper time frames.
• Recognize hidden issues and offer creative solutions to assist students in addressing barriers to continuing in school; resolve any issues that arise in the financial aid process.
• Position the value of West Coast University (WCU) by matching WCU benefits to student/influencer needs and values throughout all interactions.
• Ensure all processing related to students’ financial aid is administered accurately, timely, and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Navigate students and influencers through the financial aid process by clarifying steps and reviewing their progress.
• Educate students on federal aid borrower’s rights and responsibilities, FAFSA completion, loan acceptance/denial, scholarships, and alternative funding options to resolve financing issues.
• Work proactively with campus teams to support student needs and improve student and operational outcomes.
• Execute the appropriate contact strategy to ensure all students receive proper follow-up and achieve milestones in the financial aid process.
• Manage an assigned student caseload using various tools and processes to ensure students receive needed service and operational outcomes are achieved.
• Partner with other UA teams to ensure packaged funds disburse timely and for approved amounts, including first academic year funds.
• Adhere to College/University policies and procedures, conducting job responsibilities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and professional standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University is preferred. Experienced candidates without a degree will be considered if they have more than 7 years of financial aid experience and a combination of experience and education comparable to a bachelor’s degree.
• Solid working knowledge of financial aid standards and processes, as well as customer service in an educational setting.
• 2 years of customer service experience required.
• 2 years of financial aid experience required.
• Must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment of a federal grant.
• Must consent to audio and video recording of student financial aid appointments for training and quality assurance purposes.
• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, professional ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions.

Skills

• Strong customer service skills with a focus on student success.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Higher-than-average computer skills.
• Multi-tasking and time management skills; ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.