Financial Aid Advisor

Associate’s Degree

Relevant experience in college financial aid operations with a working knowledge of basic Federal and State financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
Experience working in a higher education setting. Community college experience highly beneficial.
Experience with Colleague.

Job Duties

 

Processes financial aid applications, including FAFSA review and verification, and evaluates required documentation such as tax returns, proof of citizenship, and special circumstance requests to determine student eligibility. Reviews and resolves discrepancies, applies professional judgment when appropriate, and evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress in accordance with federal and state regulations. Assesses and processes dependency override and special circumstance appeals to ensure compliance while supporting student success. Provides financial aid advising to students and their families, offering clear guidance on available programs and options. Communicates complex federal, state, and institutional aid regulations clearly through individual counseling, outreach events, and workshops, including off-campus and evening presentations. Administers and reconciles federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs totaling more than $5 million annually in awarded aid, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Manages certification, disbursement, and reconciliation processes while identifying and resolving discrepancies that impact funding integrity and audit readiness. Administers and manages the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, including student eligibility determination, fund awarding, expenditure monitoring, and compliance enforcement. Coordinates with Human Resources and departmental supervisors to support hiring, maintain accurate employment records, and prevent over-awards and funding violations. Performs advanced analysis of financial aid system data and reconciliation reports, including Colleague processes and deregistration activities. Evaluates data trends, identifies inconsistencies, and implements corrective actions to ensure accuracy, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Administers specialized aid programs such as the Child Care Grant Program, including eligibility determination, awarding, compliance monitoring, and reconciliation. Maintains complete and accurate program records in accordance with state and institutional requirements. Coordinates the institutional Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process, including monitoring student eligibility, evaluating appeals, and applying federal standards using professional judgment. Ensures accurate and timely communication to students regarding eligibility outcomes and appeal decisions. Oversees and executes the administration of institutional and RCC Foundation scholarships, including application review, eligibility analysis, and award coordination in collaboration with Financial Aid leadership. Maintains advanced working knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, state aid policies, and institutional procedures, ensuring accurate interpretation and application of evolving regulatory guidance. Serves as a subject matter expert within the Financial Aid Office. Provides front-line support as needed, including high-level advising and resolution of complex financial aid inquiries. Serves as a secondary resource for student-facing operations to ensure continuity of service. Oversees the integrity, organization, and audit readiness of financial aid records, including document imaging, file management systems, and compliance with federal recordkeeping requirements. Leads the development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including forms and publications. Ensures materials are accurate, compliant, and aligned with institutional goals for student access and success. Collaborates across departments (e.g., Academic Affairs, Business Office, Human Resources, Registrar, IT) to coordinate financial aid processes, ensure data accuracy, and support institutional operations. Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, regulatory compliance, and student service outcomes within the Financial Aid Office. Performs additional duties as assigned, contributing to the strategic and operational goals of the Financial Aid Office.