Summary
The University Administration (UA) 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.
UA Financial Aid Advisors support students beginning their education at West Coast University (WCU) and those actively attending by providing support to ensure that students are properly packaged for each academic year as needed for all WCU locations. These associates are also responsible for making necessary changes to student awards in a timely manner and responding to all tasks triggered for active students. They also ensure all balances are covered each academic year and prior to graduation and partner with other UA teams to ensure all packaged funds disburse timely and for approved amounts. Further, each associate is responsible for managing a student caseload and achieving stated operational outcomes for their caseload.
A successful UA Financial Aid Advisor will enjoy working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, be detail oriented with strong follow-up skills, communicate in a friendly and compassionate manner and thrive in an environment where new tasks and projects are available to grow their skillset.
This position requires alternate work hours to support students across all time zones including night, and weekend work as needed.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Understands program make up, funding programs and packaging standards for all WCU campuses including all ground and online programs spanning undergraduate and graduate funding eligibility so they can effectively serve students at any WCU campus.
- Ensures students are properly packaged for the prior AYs as they initiate the re-packaging process.
- Supports students through the initial and repackaging process and maintains ongoing student contact, ensuring financial aid and other sources of aid is secured, and making certain required documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
- Calculates and initiates student financial aid offers, and payment plans to help each student cover the cost of education for each academic year. Also accurately make updates to packaging throughout a student’s program.
- 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 continuing in school. Works with students to resolve any issues that may arise in the financial aid process.
- 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 student/influencer 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 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.
- Manages an assigned student caseload through a variety of tools and processes to ensure students receive the service they need and to ensure operational outcomes are achieved.
- Partners with other UA teams to ensure that packaged funds disburse timely and for approved amounts, this include first academic year funds as well.
- Adheres to College/University policies and procedures and conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the College/University’s policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University is preferred. Experienced candidates will be considered without a degree provided they have more than 7 years of financial aid experience and a combination of experience and education comparable to a bachelor’s degree.
Experience & Skills
- Requires solid working knowledge of standards and processes for financial aid and customer service in an educational setting.
- 2 years customer service required.
- 2 years financial aid experience 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 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.
- Multi-Tasking and Time Management Skills; can adapt to a changing fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
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