Financial Aid Advisor

JOB PURPOSE:  

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for counseling students/prospective students and families on financial aid processes, requirements, and aid eligibility to support the Student Debt Intervention and Financial Aid Literacy goals of the University. The advisor independently prepares events, webinars, student financial aid guides, and resources to address Financial Literacy initiatives. The Financial Aid Advisor will work closely with the Manager of Financial Aid.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Conducts financial aid appointments, assists students with financial aid application, financial aid literacy training/counseling, and counsels/advises students and parents regarding available financial aid programs and resources.

·         Aims to create debt management plans so students are prepared to cover the cost of attending college.

·         Provides financial aid advisement services, in person, by phone, by email, and in virtual meetings using zoom.

·         Collaborate effectively with University departments to actively support student debt intervention initiatives and ensure students are well informed on the areas of paying for college, financial literacy, and reducing the number of students finishing a semester with debt.

·         Contribute as needed in the awarding process of students receiving Pell Grants and Scholarships; including verifying and reviewing student files for packaging.

·         Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the University to serve as a Veterans Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official for all student veterans.

·         This individual answers students' questions about the VA benefits process and provides related admissions and registration assistance to prospective and current students regarding all academic programs, degree requirements, placement testing, transfer, and student activities.

·         This individual also establishes a regular, visible presence at each campus or center as determined by VA student enrollment.

·         The Advisor will develop, expand, and implement early financial literacy and money management education and awareness for students aimed to develop a student guide focusing on "how to pay for college" (manual and virtual guides).

·         Teach students about debt and its impact short and long term.

·         Build Virtual Financial Management Modules aimed at helping students effectively manage money and design/follow a financial plan.

·         Work with internal departments and outside organizations to address the areas of financial literacy.

·         Develop a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program to meet the Federal, State, Institutional, Departmental, and Grant Program standards.

·         Supports the University's goal of digital transformation, improving the online services and programs offered to students.

·         Works to create partnerships that reduce student debt.

·         Assist in the development of financial literacy and the delivery of specific financial aid program procedures, counseling students, conducting financial aid workshops/ seminars/ training sessions, and monitoring aid programs to ensure compliance with federal aid regulations and policies.

·         Performs data analysis to identify discrepancies in data and determines actions for resolutions;

·         Maintains accurate student financial aid record keeping;

·         Compiles reports as required by funding agency and weekly reports that include updates and/or concerns;

·         Participates in the annual audit of student records.

·         Provide students, parents, staff, and faculty with financial aid information and services through multiple methods of communication;

·         Responds to the academic calendar of financial aid activities to ensure deadlines are met; maintain strict compliance with FERPA confidentiality requirements;

·         Assesses the effectiveness of financial literacy in addressing college debt and maintains open communication with Financial Aid Manager.

·         Participates in the annual compliance audits (Tribal, Federal, and State).  

·         Responsibility includes providing reports to assess the effectiveness of the Financial Aid literacy programs, the impact on student debt, and Student Debt Intervention initiatives and Grant reporting requirements.  

·         Prepares expense reports on an annual basis.

·         Perform need analysis according to federal Title IV methodology, review and verify the accuracy of applications and complete the packaging of awards for eligible applications.

·         Revise existing awards to reflect changes in eligibility or allowable budget adjustments.

·         Exercise professional judgment in adjusting a student’s application to accommodate documented, qualifying special circumstances.

·         Maintains proactive contact with students and creates solutions to potential setbacks that may affect student retention and

·         Works collaboratively with other departments to address and/or resolve issues.

·         Participates in the development, implementation, documentation, and training of departmental procedures, as appropriate.

·         Award scholarship funding which includes, but is not limited to, endowments, current use funding, and state allocations, while preserving the intent of each agreement, regulation, or statute.

·         Responsible for an ongoing specialized function such as Federal Regulatory Compliance Monitoring or Scholarship Coordination.

·         Provides support and guidance as a student’s single point of contact for all matters related to financial aid opportunities, including but not limited to federal grants, loans, work-study, and state, institutional, and private scholarships.

·         Follows federal and state regulations and NMSU policies and procedures in the review and analysis of financial aid applications.

·         Acts as an advisor to students, potential students, and families, enforce regulations and policies,

·         Serves on the appeal committee,

·         Creates academic plans for students with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) issues, and recommends solutions on how to improve their status.

·         Effectively presents federal, state, and scholarship aid information to individuals, small and large groups. 

·         Other duties as assigned for the overall success of the department as assigned by the Financial Aid Manager.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:    

·         N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education, or Social Science.

·         Must have at least one year of work experience in Student Financial Aid or a related field in higher education.

·         Must be certified as a Veterans Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official

·         Valid and clean state driver’s license.

·         Must be able to pass a background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

·         A Master's Degree is preferred in Business Administration, Education, or Social Science.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

·         Knowledge of Federal Work-Study or State Work-Study experience in financial aid is a plus

·         Knowledge and compliance with federal, state, and tribal financial aid programs within the Federal, State, and Tribal laws.

·         Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.

·         Experience with PowerFAIDS software or equivalent software program.

·         Experience in presentations, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.

·         Proficient skills with Microsoft Office: i.e. Excel, Pivot Tables, etc.

·         Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills; written, oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

·         Work effectively in team situations.

·         Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner.

·         Excellent listening skills; patient and calm.

·         Ability to analyze and interpret data.

·         Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner.

·         Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person.

·         Detail oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

·         Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues.

·         Ability to create presentations, webinars, and create resources.

·         Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

·         Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality.

·         Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.

·         Use hands for the dexterity of motion, and repetitive movement of both hands.

·         Have normal auditory, and visual acuity, and verbal communications skills. 

·         The employee must occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·         Work is typically performed within an office work environment.

·         Travel to other campuses and sites may be required, including traveling to conferences and training out-of-state may be required.

·         Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. 

·         Evening and/or weekend work may be required. 

·         Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.