The Senior Financial Aid Advisor delivers on our commitment of Student Centricity by building rapport, delivering clear and accurate information, offering effective solutions, and maintaining contact with students, their families, and other influencers as they move through the financial aid process. Senior Financial Aid Advisors provide campus support for both new and continuing students. This role not only ensures that new students are prepared to start school and that all students have the necessary funding in place to do so but that all continuing students are supported through graduation with financial aid support.

In addition, Senior Financial Aid Advisors are also responsible for higher level processes within Financial Aid such as serving as the VA Certifying Official for the campus, assisting with training and mentoring Financial Aid Advisors and other duties as assigned by the Student Financial Service leaders.

A successful Senior Financial Aid Advisor will enjoy working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, be detail oriented with strong follow-up skills, a desire to work with students every day and communicate in a friendly and compassionate manner and thriving in an environment where new tasks and projects are available to grow their skillset. Flexibility and ability to adapt to change are critical for success in this role.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• This role’s primary responsibility is to ensure that students are fully packaged and prepared to start school and that all students are fully packaged for each academic year as they continue school.
• Supports students through initial and ongoing student contact, ensuring financial aid and other sources of aid is secured, and making certain all required documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
• Calculates and initiates student financial aid offers, and retail installment plans to help each student cover the cost of education.
• Provides the best possible experience for students during every interaction by displaying compassion, composure, and offering compelling reasons to complete the next steps within proper time frames.
• Recognizes hidden issues and offers creative solutions to assist students in addressing barriers to starting or continuing in school.
• Positions the value of West Coast University (WCU) by matching WCU benefits to student/influencer needs and values throughout all interactions.
• Ensures all processing related to students’ financial aid are administered accurately and timely and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Navigates students/influencers through the financial aid process by clarifying process steps, reviewing where they are in the overall process.
• Educates students on federal aid borrower’s rights and responsibilities, FAFSA completion, loan acceptance/denial, scholarships and alternative funding options that help resolve financing issues.
• Works proactively with campus Student Financial Services teams to support the needs of students and improve student and operational outcomes.
• Executes the appropriate contact strategy and ensures that all students receive the proper follow up and achieve the appropriate milestones in the financial aid process.
• Assists with training/mentoring of new Financial Aid Advisors.
• Manages an assigned workload of students through a variety of tools and processes.

Preferred Education, Certifications & Licensures:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University is preferred. Experienced candidates will be considered without a degree provided they have more than 6 years of financial aid experience and a combination of experience and education comparable to a bachelor’s degree.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Requires proficient knowledge of standards and processes for financial aid and customer service in an educational setting.
• Minimum Experience:
  • 4 years customer service required.
  • 4 years financial aid required.
• May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment of a federal grant.
• Must consent to audio and video recording of student financial aid appointments and overviews for training and quality assurance purposes required.
• Demonstrates highest level of integrity, professional ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Strong customer service skills with focus on student success.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Higher than average computer skills.
• This is an onsite position where you will work in our administrative office in Irvine, CA daily.

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Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.