Financial Aid Advisor & VA Certifying Official

The Financial Aid Advisor supports the mission of the Office of Financial Aid by helping students and prospective students locate and utilize resources to fund their education at the institution while adhering to regulatory requirements. Candidates have the possibility of working a hybrid schedule after the training period.

This full-time, salary, non-exempt position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.

• Analyze and verify aid applications to ensure compliance with all state, federal financial aid, institutional and program regulations and make awards in line with established guidelines.
• Provide customer service and counsel students on Federal, State and Institutional financial aid as well as scholarship and loan options; serve as information resource for financial aid and assigned programs.
• Advise students as to satisfactory progress within their declared program of study.
• Communicate with various on-campus departments through person-to-person, email, phone, Microsoft teams and written correspondence and documentation of information specific program requirements.
• Collect and approve documentation for VA students, certify enrollment, tuition and fees each semester in VA’s Enrollment Manager system and monitor enrollment levels for all students with VA funding.
• Provide information to students eligible for and receiving VA educational benefits. Answer inquiries concerning VA education benefits. Determine individuals’ specific eligibility for type (chapter) of VA education benefits and assist students in the application process for appropriate chapter of benefits.
• Interpret, review and develop program specific procedures, rules and regulations regarding VA education benefits specific to eligible veterans and eligible dependents of veterans.
• Complete required VA reporting and annual eligibility application with the VA. Prepare for VA audits and review.
• Attend state and regional trainings as necessary to remain current on policies, procedures and regulations specific to VA education benefits and programs.
• Responsible for monthly authorization and reconciliation of assigned program.
• Serve as the first point of contact for students by helping answer inbound financial aid calls and responding to emails. Heavy phone and email volume responsibility daily.
• Regularly attend webinars, meetings, and trainings to stay updated on changing policies and procedures.
• Follow up on student inquiries regarding financial aid process to ensure that aid is packaged and disbursed to their accounts.
• Understand and communicate the award policies and procedures and how they affect the student.
• Research and understand the verification process, professional judgments, and C-codes.
• Assist with monthly information sessions, open house, financial literacy workshops and College 101 courses.
• Participate in a committee to evaluate institutional scholarship applications on an annual basis.
• Accurately track all interactions with students and financial aid documents within our student record systems.
• Identify and escalate priority issues to the appropriate resources as defined by business practices.
• Research student records and provide detailed information regarding tuition and fees, payment plans, etc.
  

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Must be comfortable working with others over the phone, zoom or Microsoft teams, have a clear speaking voice, and a professional and personable demeanor
• Perform daily responsibilities in a professional, friendly, and efficient manner 
• Must be self-motivated and willing to seek out new challenges and information
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively as a team member, communicating concerns and bringing resolution to issues
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, specifically advanced Excel features and Outlook
• Must be punctual; be able to work with constant interruptions and pressure of deadlines
• Willing to work evening and weekends when required
  

• Associate's degree
• Previous experience in higher education
• Previous experience with federal and state financial aid
• Previous experience with VA Education Benefits
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or other student information system, other federal aid systems

• Dental, medical, and vision (begins the first of the month following 60 days of employment)
• Two weeks of vacation in the first year, with increasing accrual each year thereafter
• 14 paid holidays
• An additional paid week off between Christmas and New Year's in addition to personal vacation accrual
• 401K after one year FT service, match vested immediately
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance after one year
• Free DigiPen tuition for yourself to start; discounts for family after one year
• Complimentary soda, coffee, and tea
• Free campus parking