Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Customer Service, the Financial Aid Advocate serves as a key member of the Financial Aid Customer Service team. This role is responsible for advising students on financial aid matters, including eligibility and the awarding of federal, state, local, private, and institutional aid.

The Financial Aid Advocate must remain current on financial aid policies and regulations to ensure accurate awarding and proper disbursement of funds. Additionally, this position provides support through email correspondence, call center ticket resolution, and the creation of social media content to enhance communication and outreach.

The Financial Aid Advocate is expected to play a key role in fostering a positive work environment with the expectation of continuous improvement and first-class customer service. This position participates in divisional activities as a member of the Enrollment Management Services Division. Collaborative and team-oriented skills with a commitment to student success are essential attributes for the individual in this position.

This position does require weekend and evening responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provides face-to-face and external financial aid counseling to students and parents. Meets with students and parents concerning all federal, state and institutional programs.
• Accepts and reviews documents submitted
• Responds to and shares responsibility for Call Center tickets, office emails and/or office visits from students and their families
• Assists students with researching additional avenues for funding specifically related to students who owe balances or have extenuating financial circumstances. Makes recommendations for emergency funding to the Scholarship Manager
• Researches and interprets student financial aid program guidelines including but not limited to those in the student aid handbooks and training materials to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and program requirements.
• Participates in preparation and execution of outreach programs and initiatives (on and off campus) offered by the Office of Financial Aid Services, GGC campus partners and/or community partners. Makes recommendations for potential outreach activities and initiatives. Conducts financial aid presentations on and off campus
• Participates in national, regional, and state conferences pertaining to student financial aid programs, practices, and related technology and communicate any information that may be needed by other GGC departments
• Serves on campus committees to increase exposure and footprint of the Office of Financial Aid Services
• Other duties as assigned.