Financial Aid Advisor (Fully Remote)

Description: The Financial Aid Advisor manages assigned groups of students while also supporting shared phone and email queues. The Advisor counsels students and, when appropriate, parents or other authorized parties regarding student funding plans, financial aid requirements, and next steps. The role requires a working knowledge of Title IV financial aid including verification, C\-codes, conflicting information, and general federal financial aid eligibility. Advisors also counsel students on the requirements of academic progression and the potential impact on their financial aid eligibility and funding plan. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** Student Advising and Communication * Provides timely, accurate, and student\-centered assistance by phone and email, using clear language to explain financial aid concepts, requirements, funding plans, and academic requirements. * Maintains contact with all assigned unpackaged students at least every 72 hours and responds to voicemail and email within one business day. * Listens actively, confirms understanding, and adapts explanations to the student's individual circumstances while remaining professional, respectful, and solutions\-focused. * Reports promptly and prepared for scheduled meetings and calls and maintains appropriate availability for incoming student communication. * Supports the department's shared service model by reviewing and assisting any student's file when responding to incoming calls or communications. File Review, Documentation, and Follow\-Through * Reviews student records before and during interactions to provide accurate information and identify outstanding financial aid requirements or next steps. * Documents student interactions, commitments, attempted contacts, actions taken, and required follow\-up accurately and promptly in designated systems. * Screens submitted documents for readily identifiable concerns, including incorrect document types, missing pages, incomplete forms, or information that does not appear to correspond with the stated requirement. * Reviews ISIR information with students and recognizes common or readily identifiable discrepancies involving items such as name, date of birth, high school completion status, and tax information. * Resolves routine financial aid questions and escalates complex eligibility, compliance or student account concerns to the appropriate team or leader. Requirements: * High School diploma or equivalent, Associate degree preferred * Prior financial aid, higher education, advising, customer service, or other relevant student\-facing experience preferred. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn student information, customer relationship management, document\-management, and communication systems. **KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES** * Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical or regulatory information in understandable, student\-friendly