The Financial Aid Advisor at the College of Southern Idaho manages the financial aid process in a high-volume environment. The advisor ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines while providing personalized counseling to students and families on financial aid eligibility, applications, and awards. This position is crucial for helping students secure the financial resources needed to pursue their education.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Processing (60%)

• Analyze and process student financial aid applications using information systems.
• Ensure all data is accurate and complies with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Determine eligibility for financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
• Award financial aid packages based on student eligibility, ensuring all awards are made within federal, donor, and institutional guidelines.

Compliance and Reporting and Professional Judgment and Special Cases (20%)

• Monitor student eligibility for financial aid by reviewing system-generated reports on GPA, enrollment status, and award status.
• Ensure students comply with federal and institutional financial aid regulations throughout their enrollment.
• Resolve discrepancies such as over-awards or overpayments, ensuring that all adjustments are adequately documented and communicated.
• Evaluate and process requests for professional judgment adjustments due to unusual or mitigating circumstances (e.g., changes in financial status, family contributions).
• Adjust aid packages when necessary, including revising the cost of attendance, Student Aid Index (SAI), or dependency status.
• Handle appeals for dependency overrides and other exceptional cases, exercising professional judgment when appropriate.

 Student Counseling (10%)

• Provide personalized one-on-one advising to current and prospective students, if needed, and their families regarding financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
• Explain financial aid programs, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships, and guide families through the process of financial assistance.
• Assist students in understanding their financial aid awards and how to manage their educational expenses.
• Offer counseling on circumstances and professional judgment cases to help students with unique financial situations.

Collaboration and External Communication (5%)

• Work closely with external agencies, donors, and internal departments to facilitate the student financial aid process.
• Maintain secure access to federal and state databases such as the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Ensure timely communication with outside entities and maintain professional relationships that support the financial aid process.

Outreach and Presentations and Other Duties (5%)

• Present financial aid and scholarship information to various audiences, including students, families, high school counselors, and community organizations.
• Deliver workshops and information sessions on and off campus to help prospective and current students understand the financial aid process and timelines.
• Promote financial literacy by educating students and families on budgeting, loan management, and making informed decisions about borrowing and repayment.
• Assist students and families with scholarship applications, ensuring they understand eligibility requirements and deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents, or guardians in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Financial Aid Office, including administrative support and special projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in financial aid or higher education.
• Proficiency in financial aid software and MS Office Suite.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Working Conditions:

This position is based on the main campus and may require occasional travel to other campuses or external sites for outreach and presentations.

The College of Southern Idaho is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to cultivating and sustaining an environment in which our employees and learners thrive. The College prohibits discrimination on the basis of any legally protected status.