Financial Aid Advisor

Overview

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for providing guidance and assistance to students and families in navigating the financial aid process. This role involves evaluating student eligibility for financial aid, advising on funding options, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Financial Aid Advisor plays a critical role in helping students access the resources they need to achieve their educational goals.

Pay Range: $16.50-$24

Location: Fort Myers, FL 

What We Offer: 

• Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents

• Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

• Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)

• Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days

• Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby

• Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA

• Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counseling to students and families regarding financial aid options, application processes, and eligibility requirements
  • Assist in the completion of financial aid forms, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Master Promissory Note, and other institutional documentation
  • Offer guidance on budgeting, financial literacy, and loan repayment strategies
• Evaluate and process financial aid applications in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies
  • Determine student eligibility and award financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs
  • Monitor and verify documentation for accuracy and compliance
• Stay informed about changes in federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations
  • Facilitate financial aid practices that meet compliance standards and maintain accurate records
  • Prepare and submit required reports to governing agencies
  • Understand and comply with all applicable Federal regulations/procedures per the annual Federal Handbook
• Collaborate with other departments to support student success and resolve financial aid-related issues
  • Conduct workshops, presentations, and outreach activities to educate students and families about financial aid opportunities
  • Conduct entrance interviews and exit interviews as required by Federal regulation
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and financial aid determinations using appropriate software systems
  • Generate reports and analyze data to identify trends and improve processes
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education / Experience

• High School diploma (or GED) (required)
• Associate's degree in relevant field (preferred)
• Two (2) years of experience working in financial aid (preferred)
• Minimum three (3) years of customer service or sales experience (preferred)
• Minimum one (1) year performing data entry and professional customer service experience (required)
• One (1) year of experience in a proprietary online higher education environment (preferred)
• Must not currently be in default on any Federal Student Loans or go into default on any Federal Student Loans while employed

Skills

• Apply knowledge and skills to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Identify straightforward problems and recommend potential solutions
• Communicate clearly and effectively with peers and stakeholders
• Demonstrate active listening and empathy in interactions
• Participate in presentations or facilitate small group discussions
• Manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
• Use productivity software and collaboration tools with confidence
• Show initiative and accountability for assigned outcomes
• Perform routine tasks and seek guidance for new situations
• Make timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
• Apply effective and efficient processes with a focus on continuous improvement
• Build open and comfortable relationships with diverse groups
• Learn actively from both successes and failures while solving new problems

Standard Abilities

• Able and willing to:
• Communicate, think, learn, and reason
• Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
• Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations
• Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
• Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
• Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders

Work Environment

• Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.
• This position is designated as Variable. Employees must be able to follow all safety precautions including the use of personal-protective equipment. Employees must also be able to adhere to site-specific safety procedures. Work environments may include exposure to student learning environments with a variety of conditions. Employees must meet minimum technical standards for eligibility and participation.
• Travel Requirements
  • No travel required