Financial Aid Advisor (2 Positions)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are typical of those performed in this classification.

• Performs specialized technical duties involving financial aid advising, packages, and complex eligibility determinations; serves as a technical resource to other employees regarding financial aid eligibility; interprets and applies federal and state regulations related to financial aid-related regulations, administrative policies, and operational procedures.

• Assists students in the application process for financial aid by providing information and answering questions regarding financial aid, helps complete appropriate and required forms, provides advice on rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid, and provides information regarding the status of financial aid applications in person, via email, telephone or other electronic means.

• Analyzes complex application documents required to determine financial aid eligibility by reviewing, identifying, and resolving discrepancies between financial aid applications, federal tax returns, and database matches; initiates requests for supporting documents to resolve conflicting information.

• Interfaces with other external agencies to verify eligibility by exchanging information using various databases and software systems; verifies dual enrollment; determines the validity of foreign, homeschool, and online high school diplomas and refers students to evaluation agencies as needed; determines appropriate financial aid eligibility for students in special circumstances.

• Packages financial aid awards in accordance with standard need analysis criteria and federal and state eligibility regulations and current policies/procedures; processes awarding of funds to students following state and federal rules and regulations, including special financial aid programs which may include grants, scholarships or loans.

• Monitors and evaluates student academic records to determine if a student is meeting financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards to maintain eligibility; monitors and manages subsequent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications; identifies conflicts and notifies students of documents required for resolution.?

• Acts as a liaison to other appropriate District department(s) and outside agencies to provide technical assistance on the financial aid application process, regulations, and current policies/procedures.

• Conducts and coordinates financial aid workshops for students, parents, employees, outside groups, and high schools.

• Participates in day-to-day office operations and recommends office procedures and technical improvements to streamline financial aid application processing.

• Searches databases and record systems, gathers, compiles, and reports financial aid information; prepares complex and detailed reports, correspondence, and other documents to summarize data on financial aid recipients, awards, and disbursements; maintains specialized information and complex interrelated files in filing systems. 

• Organizes, plans, and develops timelines and priorities to meet deadlines. 

• Maintains confidentiality of records and complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and protecting the privacy of student records.

• May provide work direction to lower-level employees, temporary employees, and/or student workers.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. 

Four (4) years of experience determining applicant eligibility for financial assistance programs in an academic setting.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements

None.

Knowledge of:

• Methods for processing and maintaining financial aid data and disbursements.

• Terminology associated with financial aid programs and practices.

• Laws, regulations, standards, and/or requirements applicable to areas of assignment. 

• Technical methods of data organization, collection, research, and reporting.

• Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work. 

• Standard office practices or procedures.

• Standard office software and modern office equipment.

• Standard formats for business correspondence and other communications.

• Methods of filing information using alpha, numeric, and alphanumeric systems.

• Correct use of the English language, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

• Principles and practices of customer service. 

• Business arithmetic.

Ability to:

• Determine financial aid eligibility. 

• Stay abreast of changing federal and state regulations. 

• Analyze and interpret financial aid and student enrollment data.

• Maintain and reconcile financial aid records.

• Prepare accurate reports pertaining to financial aid recipients, awards, and disbursements.

• Research, analyze, organize, and maintain complex information, including financial or program-specific data.

• Research, apply, and explain the laws, regulations, policies and/or procedures applicable to areas of assignment.

• Operate a variety of office equipment including computers and printers/copiers. 

• Utilize standard office software (e.g., email, word processing, and spreadsheet software).

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.

• Prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents using complex multiple business formats.

• Prioritize work and complete assignments accurately and within established deadlines.

• Provide and obtain detailed information to/from others. 

• Provide customer service with a high level of sensitivity, tact and patience.

• Exercise reasonable judgment in performing job duties. 

• Work and perform duties independently. 

• Perform and prioritize multiple tasks. 

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all employees and others encountered in the course of work. 

• Demonstrate a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STANDARDS:

The following physical and mental standards are identified as necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.  However, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• Mobility: frequent sitting or standing for long periods; occasional kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking; occasional reaching above and below desk level.

• Dexterity: frequent fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard; frequent grasping to handle individual papers, write and take notes; and feel individual objects. 

• Lifting: frequent lifting of papers, files, equipment, and material weighing up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. 

• Visual Requirements: frequent use of vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work. 

• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and speaking in person and on the telephone. 

• Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent contact with others, including extensive public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.

Salary 
The Financial Aid Advisor classification salary range is R-36.

Starting salary: Step 1 $5,696.05 to Step 3 $6,279.89 per month, based on training and experience. 

Salary range: Step 1 $5,696.05 to Step 6 $7,269.76 per month (plus longevity where applicable)

Application Process
This position requires the following documents to be attached to your online application in order to be considered:

• Current resume

• Transcripts showing the required degree must be submitted. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted only during the application process. Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Foreign transcripts and degrees require official certification of equivalency to U.S. transcripts and degrees by a certified U.S. review service at the time of application.

Please note: All required documentation must be attached to the online application by the applicant.  Additional documents not requested in the announcement will not be reviewed.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  First review: April 1, 2025. Applications with incomplete information (i.e. statements such as "see resume") or missing documents will not be reviewed.

Position Funding
The district reserves the right to extend, withdraw, and/or reopen this position at any time.

Visas
The District does not sponsor Visas.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

GCCD is committed to employing administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success. GCCD recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.