Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor supports learning by assisting the administration of federal, state, institutional and outside agency funds that have been allocated for student financial assistance. Performs moderately routine, diverse clerical work in a complex Financial Aid Department. General policies can be applied to most work situations; however, moderate decision-making is required under limited supervision.

Essential Functions/Duties

• Demonstrate customer orientation in all interactions with students and Polk State College employees. Students should feel valued and pleased in all interactions with Polk State College staff.
• Analyze financial aid applications, collect data, and prepare folios for all financial aid applications, and notify students of financial aid awards.
• Verify student aid reports and help students/parents make necessary corrections.
• Assist students/parents with completion of application materials.
• Mail award and tracking letters to students and prepare loan packets for mailing to students upon loan approval.
• Compile and process all college work study student documents and verify time sheets for employment.
• Counsels' students, prospective students and parents on all matters relating to financial aid.
• Answer general and specific questions regarding the College Admissions, Financial Aid and Registration procedures, course offerings, fees, and office hours.
• Conducts internal and external financial aid workshops.
• Audit student files for accurate paperwork within the federal and state guidelines.
• Assist in various aspects of departmental financial and accounting processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Required Skills:

• The ability to establish an effective rapport with part-time and full-time faculty.
• Good organizational skills, with special attention to detail.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others.
• General office skills.
• Experience with computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Superior customer service skills.

Working Conditions/Additional Information:

• During the first of each semester must be available to work evening hours to start the semester.
• Sometimes it requires coming in in the evenings, early in the mornings, and on Saturdays for various workshops.
• Must be able to work proficiently in a busy, multi-office work area.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt well to changes.

Salary and Benefits Information:

• This position is level P12.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term disability; paid holidays and sick leave; vacation (excluding faculty positions); retirement benefits for eligible employees; and college fee waivers.

Required Education:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.

Required Experience:

• One year of experience in a student financial aid or other student services function.
• Two years of administrative, clerical, or general office work experience is required.

Alternate Education and Experience:

• An associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution with two years of experience in higher education financial aid or other student services function.

OR

• A high school diploma (or equivalent) with three years of experience in student financial aid or other student services functions.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business management, finance, accounting, or related field preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience at a community/state college is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Submissions that do not include all parts of the following required information will not be considered:

• a resume.
• an electronic job application (all sections MUST be completed).

Important Information:

• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
• Polk State College participates in E-Verify. Candidates must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. Polk State College does not provide visa sponsorship.
• To request Veteran's Preference, please be sure to upload all necessary documents (DD-214, etc.) to your application.
• Polk State College is a drug-free workplace.
• Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Employment visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1, etc.) will not be considered.
• Reference checks, successful completion of a background check, and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.
• Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or employment. For information about the College's equal access and equal opportunity policies and procedures, or to file a complaint, please contact:

Title IX Coordinator

3425 Winter Lake Road

Lakeland, FL 33803

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For additional information, visit polk.edu/compliance

We encourage applicants to provide feedback on their experience or request help at View email address on click.appcast.io.