Financial Aid Advisor

Position Details

Position Information


Position Title
Financial Aid Advisor


Classification Title
Administrator


Position Number
B203PD


Grade Level
P1


Starting Wage/Salary
$55,620-$64,000 plus exceptional benefits


Close Date
06/21/2026


Open Until Filled
No


Open Until Filled Notes

Position Type/Employee Class
Administrative


Faculty Status

FTE
1.0


Contract Months
12.0


Overtime Eligible
Exempt


Location
Bend


Hybrid Remote Work Eligible?
No


Exceptional COCC Benefits Summary

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Primary Purpose


The Financial Aid Advisor position provides specific financial aid and financial management advising to students; supports the financial aid department in student education efforts such as consumer information requirements, basic money management, default prevention and identity protection; collaborates with multiple on-campus departments and off-campus organizations in order to develop venues of contact with current and prospective student's on-campus, in high schools and elsewhere in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advising Functions

• Advise prospective and current students and parents on all aspects of the financial aid process. Provide guidance and support, including information about funding resources (federal grants and loans, state grants, agency resources, scholarships and federal work-study), application procedures/deadlines and eligibility to students. Service is provided in-person in the Financial Aid Office and in conjunction with the Student Enrollment team.
• Collaborate with advising, counseling, tutoring, degree evaluation, student employment or other services to assist students and make referrals as needed.
• Explain and provide information on institutional policies and federal regulations and how they may affect a student's aid eligibility. Provide professional advice to students regarding how academic choices (course selection, enrollment levels, attendance, drop/withdraw, progress toward completion, GPA, etc.) affect financial aid eligibility.
• Assist students with online financial aid tools and self-service resources.

Event Planning Functions

• Lead group workshops and discussions to educate students on funding opportunities, the financial aid application process, and budgeting skills. This may include community outreach centers, high schools and on-campus classes.
• Support recruitment and retention activities by providing financial aid information during orientations, high school visits, and outreach efforts targeting traditional and non-traditional students.
• Participate in financial aid training sessions to stay current on changes in laws, policies, and procedures.
• Present financial aid information to students, faculty, staff, and community groups.

Office and Compliance Functions:

• Assist with overall departmental customer service, including regular coverage of the front desk, department email and phone lines.
• Analyze and recommend improvements and program changes necessary for quality customer service and regulatory compliance.
• Perform file review tasks.
• Participate in reviewing student files requiring special judgment.
• Maintain an accurate and organized database of student interactions to help evaluate service effectiveness.
• Communicate and operate in alignment with all applicable federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies.
• Document procedures related to assigned responsibilities.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Department Specific

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess interpersonal, communication and public presentation skills. Must be able to communicate effectively in individual and group settings. Will represent COCC on a professional basis, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Ability to use good listening skills to communicate with students in response to a variety of questions i.e., Satisfactory Academic Policy, reasons for financial aid not being ready, amount available to borrow, ramifications of dropping classes, etc.
• Ability to understand and effectively use administrative software system (Banner) to accomplish job functions.
• Ability to work well in teams and with customers.
• Ability to understand and use software to create work applications and reports.
• Ability to work accurately and in detail.
• Ability to stay current with financial aid regulatory changes by monitoring professional websites and attending seminars as required.
• Knowledge of community resources available to students for assistance with basic needs, counseling, budgeting and planning, or ability to make those contacts.
• Ability to use software programs and database systems which include Microsoft Office Suite, email, website editing, and modern office equipment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience.
• Ability to demonstrate essential job functions outlined above.

Ergonomic Requirements


Regular office hours are established between 8 am - 5 pm during the workweek. A flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends, may be necessary due to the nature of the responsibilities.

Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature. Requires the ability to work at a workstation for extended periods. Requires to write, read written materials and computer screens, and ability to use telephonic conversations. Occasional lifting up to 25lbs. All individuals are required to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Requirements


Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in education, student affairs, business or related field.
• Two (2) years of related professional experience multi-tasking, prioritizing and problem solving.

Equivalency Statement


The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

All employees are required to successfully complete and pass a background screen, which includes a criminal history check.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

• Professional work experience in a higher education setting.
• Professional work experience with the SCT Banner system.
• Professional work experience working with a diverse population of students and/or customers.

EEO Statement


The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or the Vice President for Student Affairs at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.

In support of COCC's EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.