Advisor- Financial Aid

As a member of the Division of Student Success at Illinois Central College, the Financial Aid Advisor is essential in fostering positive student interactions, enhancing student-centered processes, cultivating a sense of belonging, and collaborating to support student success. Reporting directly to the Director of Financial Aid and focused on delivery of financial aid to prospective and currently enrolled students, this position helps to advance departmental and divisional goals while supporting the college’s overall mission and strategic priorities.  This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Comply with Title IV federal regulations and state regulations in regards to delivery of funds to students.
2. Administer federal and state financial aid programs and coordinate with the college's Student Financial Services and with federal and state reconciliation systems.
3. Analyze student data and certify eligibility for program participation as required; interpret apply and explain complex rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions.
4. Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of a variety of documents, including but not limited to: federal tax returns, official academic transcripts, immigration documents, Selective Service correspondence, Social Security documents, court orders, and medical transcripts.
5. Verify application information and supporting documentation; recalculate financial need as required; evaluate special circumstances influencing need analysis results and recommend appropriate changes in awards.
6. Advise students on relevant financial aid processes and procedures including, but not limited to, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal procedure, Verification, Dependency Override; Special Circumstances, Default Loans, and provide awarding notifications.
7. Research and maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations and requirements for financial aid and student loan programs to ensure compliance and accurate distribution of information.
8. Provide technical expertise to other personnel, faculty, students and the public regarding financial aid programs and services.
9. Analyze both internal and external financial aid reports assessing for accuracy and completeness
10. Compile, prepare and maintain reports, files, records, and correspondence related to financial aid matters, including but not limited to those required by program auditors.
11. Facilitate student success by offering personalized support, guiding students to resources, and acknowledging each student's unique story. 
12. Enhance student success by identifying and providing feedback on process improvements and utilizing data as needed to ensure that resources and services effectively meet student needs. 
13. Support student success by collaborating to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing student needs and enhancing overall outcomes. 
14. Advance student success by engaging in ongoing professional development and growth opportunities to stay current with best practices and effectively address evolving student needs. 
15. Perform related duties as required.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities. 

1. Bachelor's degree with 1 year of direct experience working in Financial Aid or 3 years of related experience; OR Associate's degree with 3 years of direct experience working in Financial Aid.
2. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
3. Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
4. Strong problem identification and critical thinking skills.
5. Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
6. Strong attention to detail.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field.
2. Demonstrated proficiency with, and knowledge of, complex federal, state and institutional student aid regulations and policies, including Federal Methodology and Needs Analysis.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with financial aid programs and systems acquired by administrative work in a post-secondary financial aid office. 
4. Knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations.
5. Experience with the People Soft system or similar student information system.

Salary : $44,138 - $50,773