Financial Aid Advisor - III

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to join a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your professional goals, on campus and online.

The South University 125-year story—past, present, and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Whether you have been part of the University family for many years, have recently come our way, or are thinking about joining us, you will find South University to be a place you can call home.

What's next for you is the first priority for us!

Visit www.southuniversity.edu today to learn more about what makes us stand apart as a place where you can make a difference in the lives of students eager to learn and grow.

South University, the right direction for a brighter future.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• FSA/HSA
• Tuition Assistant Program
• Long/Short Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Match
• Paid Time Off
• 12 Paid Holidays
• * includes domestic partner coverage

SUMMARY:

As a Senior Financial Aid Advisor, you will serve as a subject matter expert and mentor, managing complex student portfolios and ensuring strict adherence to Federal and State regulations. You will bridge the gap between student service and administrative compliance, driving the financial success of our students through expert counseling and strategic planning.

Assure that the South University philosophy: quality services to clients; development, growth, involvement and recognition of employees; sound economic principles; and an environment which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking and expansion is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Assist the Senior Director of Financial Aid with training new Financial Aid Advisors, act as mentor to other advisors on the team, and provide guidance on processes when needed.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the department by participating in special initiatives and evolving business needs.
• Utilize reports to review students, analyze work needed, and ability to prioritize daily workload independently.
• Strong Customer Service, ability to calm students and parents, accurately articulate the status of a student’s aid and account.
• Work cohesively with Admission Representative in order to facilitate outstanding service to prospective students and their parents.
• Efficiently and accurately package assigned students including includes new, continuing, re-entry and transfer students.
• Guide students on the financial aid process, including required forms, documents, and process.
• Create financial plans for assigned students in compliance with institutional policies and Federal regulations, communicate the plan to students and parents, and effectively explain rights and responsibilities for each aid source.
• Assist students and parents with alternative means of financing any remaining balance after awarding eligible federal, state, or institutional aid
• Ensure student files are complete and accurate and that aid is paid to students’ accounts in a timely manner.
• Review ISIRs, request outstanding documents, and perform all levels of verification and C Code reviews.
• Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or Associate’s Degree and 5 years of related experience with federal and student financial aid, or 7+ years of related experience with federal and student aid.
• Financial aid or accounting experience required.
• Customer service, problem-solving experience required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make small group presentations as well as skill in interacting on a one-on-one basis.
• The ability to multi-task, work independently, and make decisions based on guidelines.
• Strong basic computer software (MS Office) skills as well as exposure to more concentrated financial aid software (Campus Vue/Campus Nexus preferred)
• Willing and able to work on the Saturday prior to each start (once every 5 weeks)
• Have a reliable internet connection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The environment is dynamic and goal oriented requiring multi-tasking of responsibilities at all times. This position requires the ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities both within the school and with the public. A caring and self-directed nature is essential. Must possess a desire and ability to study, practice and obtain additional knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis to remain well versed in financial aid program offerings, policies and procedures. The operating environment requires strict adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal policies. The position works extensively with the financial aid staff and the admissions department personnel. Outside contacts include prospective students and applicants, their families and guests, and others such as government agencies, public school systems and private businesses.

The duties and characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.