Financial Aid Advisor - Diné College

Financial Aid Asvisor

Tsaile Campus

Student Affairs

Duty Schedule:

Weekly 40 hours, Monday-Friday.

Summary/Objective of position:

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for counseling students/prospective students and families on financial aid processes, requirements, and eligibility to support the Student Debt Intervention and Financial Aid Literacy goals of College. The advisor independently prepares events, webinars, student financial aid guides and resources to address the Financial Literacy initiatives. The Financial Aid Advisor will work closely with the Manager of Financial Aid. Title III Grant Period: October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2025.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

STUDENT COUNSELING

Conducts financial aid appointments, assists students with financial aid application, financial aid literacy, counsels and advises students and parents regarding available financial aid programs and resources.

Aims to create debt management plans so students are prepared to cover the cost of attending college.

Financial Aid Counseling services, in person, by phone,email, and virtual meetings using zoom.

Collaborate effectively with University departments to actively support student debt intervention initiative and ensuring students are well informed on the areas of paying for college, financial literacy, and reducing the number of students finishing a semester with debt.

Contribute as needed in the awarding process of students receiving Pell Grant and Scholarships; including verify and reviews student files for packaging.

An innovative Veterans Certifying Official committed to the mission, vision, and values of the College to serve as a Veterans Affairs (VA) School Certifying Official for all student veterans. This individual answers students' questions about the VA benefits process and provides related admissions and registration assistance to prospective and current students regarding all academic programs degree requirements, placement testing, transfer, and student activities. This individual also establishes a regular, visible presence at each campus or center as determined by VA student enrollment.

FINANCIAL AID LITERACY:

The Counselor will develop, expand, and implement early financial literacy and money management education and awareness for students aimed to develop a student guide focusing on "how to pay for college" (manual and virtual guides).

To teach students about debt and its impact short term and long term.

Build virtual Financial Management Modules aimed at helping students effectively manage money and design/follow a financial plan.

Work with internal departments and outside organizations to address the areas of financial literacy.

Develop a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program to meet the Federal, State, Institutional, Departmental, and Grant Program standards.

Supports the Colleges' goal of digital transformation, improving the Online services and programs offered to students Works to create partnerships that reduce student debt, creating a warrior-back program.

PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND DATA MANAGEMENT

Assist in the development of financial literacy and the delivery of specific financial aid program procedures, counseling students, conducting financial aid workshops/ seminars/ training sessions, monitoring aid programs to ensure compliance with the federal aid regulations and policies.

Performs data analysis to identify discrepancies in data and determine actions for resolutions; maintain accurate student financial aid record keeping; compile reports as required by funding agency; weekly reports that include updates and/or concerns; participates in annual audit of student records.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:

Provide students, parents, staff, and faculty with financial aid information and services through multiple methods of communication; respond to academic calendar of financial aid activities to ensure deadlines are met; maintain strict compliance with FERPA confidentiality requirements; assess the effectiveness of financial literacy in addressing college debt and maintain open communication with the Financial Aid Manager.

REPORTS, BUDGETING. & AUDIT:

Participants in the annual compliance audits (Tribal, Federal, and State). Responsibility includes providing reports to assess the effectiveness of the Financial Aid literacy programs, the impact to student debt, and Student Debt Intervention initiatives and Grant reporting requirements.

OTHER Duties as assigned for the overall success of the department as assigned by the Manager of Financial Aid.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Education, or Social Science. Must have at least two (2) years of work experience in Student Financial Aid or related field in higher education. Knowledge of and able to present Financial Aid Literacy and student advertisement.

Preferred:

A master's Degree in Business Administration, Education, Social Science, or any related field of study.

Knowledge:

-Federal Work-Study or State Work-Study experience in financial aid is a plus.

-Knowledge and administration of Federal, State, and Tribal financial aid programs within the Federal, State, Tribal and institutional compliance.

-Experience in presentations, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.

-Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.

-Experience with powerFAIDS software or equivalent software program.

-Experience in presentation, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.

Skills:

-Proficient skills with Microsoft Office (MS365): i.e. Excel, Pivot Tables, etc.

-Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.

-Strong written and verbal communication skills; writing oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

-Work effectively in team situations.

-Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner.

-Excellent listening skills; patient and calm.

Abilities:

-Ability to analyze and interpret data.

-Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner.

-Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person.

-Detail-oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

-Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues.

-Ability to understand and explain to other technical information in a manner that is easily understood.

-Ability to create presentations, webinars, and create resources.

Physical Requirements. Work Environment & Travel:

-Work is typically done in an Office Work Environment. At times the Financial Aid Advisor is required to lift typical office equipment and supplies. Travel required to other campuses and sites. Travel required by vehicle and at times by air to conferences/trainings out of state.

-Able to work in a high pressure office setting during peak business times of the year.

Other Requirement(s):

-Valid State Driver's License. Ability to speak Navajo is a plus.