Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor provides comprehensive financial aid counseling and support to prospective and current students. This position assists students through the financial aid process, ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and administers assigned financial aid programs. The advisor serves as a primary resource for students seeking information about financial assistance, including federal, state, veteran education benefits, and institutional aid.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Advise students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, award programs, and financial planning.
• Review financial aid applications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Process verification, resolve conflicting information, and maintain accurate student records.
• Counsel students on maintaining financial aid eligibility, including satisfactory academic progress requirements.
• Administer Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits by certifying enrollments, monitoring student eligibility, maintaining required records, and ensuring compliance with VA regulations and institutional policies.
• Administer the Kansas Promise Scholarship program, including reviewing eligibility, processing awards, monitoring student compliance with program requirements, and maintaining required documentation.
• Coordinate with academic departments, the Registrar's Office, Business Office, and other campus departments to ensure accurate student records and timely processing of financial aid.
• Assist students with completing the FAFSA and other financial aid forms.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
• Stay current on changes to federal, state, VA, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Participate in recruitment events, orientations, financial aid workshops, and outreach activities as assigned.
• Provide exceptional customer service through in-person, telephone, and electronic communication.
• Assist with office projects, reporting requirements, and audits.
• Arrive timely for work, attend work regularly, and successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.
• Comply with HutchCC policies, procedures, and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• One year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education, customer service, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn student information systems and financial aid software.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, with attention to details; accurately follow written and verbal instructions while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

• Physical requirements: Excellent verbal, written and listening skills; Must have the ability to sit for extended periods of time; the ability to perform keyboarding, enter data into a computer, operate office equipment, exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone and answer telephones, and operate other office equipment, to; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone; use appropriate judgment and apply tact and courtesy in difficult situations; attentive to detail, accurately follow written and verbal instructions, work independently; the ability to understand words and respond effectively and appropriately.
• Mental requirements include the ability to learn and comprehend basic instructions about the position.
• Physical and mental qualifications must be performed with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• The qualifications listed are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.
• Experience administering the Kansas Promise Scholarship or other state financial aid programs.
• Experience working with Financial Aid Systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of VA education benefit regulations and Kansas Promise Scholarship requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to providing outstanding service to a diverse student population.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

HOURLY WAGE and STATUS:

The hourly rate of pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience as determined by HutchCC administration. This support staff position is full-time, 12 months annual, benefit eligible, at-will, and non-exempt.