Financial Aid Advisor I

About COA:

College of The Albemarle, located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is the state’s first community college, founded in 1961. We strive to transform lives by inspiring and empowering individuals and communities of our seven-county service area. Through our four locations, we provide quality college transfer and career and technical education to residents in northeast North Carolina.

Description

The Financial Aid Technician I provides technical and administrative support for the College’s financial aid programs and services. The position assists students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies by providing information regarding financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and related policies and procedures. Responsibilities include processing financial aid documentation, maintaining student records, supporting scholarship and grant programs, monitoring compliance requirements, and assisting with the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial assistance programs.

The Financial Aid Technician I receives general supervision from the Director, Financial Aid.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Service and Financial Aid Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for financial aid inquiries and provide information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications, scholarship applications, and related documentation.
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.
• Provide guidance regarding satisfactory academic progress requirements, financial aid eligibility, and available student support resources.
• Assist with financial aid presentations, workshops, orientations, and outreach activities.

Financial Aid Processing and Record Management

• Review, verify, and process financial aid documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain student financial aid records within the College’s student information and document management systems.
• Monitor student files and communicate missing or incomplete documentation requirements.
• Research discrepancies and assist in resolving student financial aid issues.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records related to financial aid processing and program administration.

Program Administration

• Assist in administering federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and special assistance programs.
• Coordinate Federal Work-Study processes, including student eligibility, placement coordination, payroll monitoring, and program reconciliation.
• Assist with administration of institutional scholarship programs and donor-funded awards.
• Coordinate third-party funding programs and outside agency sponsorships in accordance with established requirements.
• Assist with administration of emergency assistance, targeted assistance, and other student support funding programs as assigned.
• Monitor student eligibility and enrollment requirements related to assigned programs.

Compliance and Operational Support

• Maintain confidentiality of student records and financial aid information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, College policies, and program requirements.
• Participate in audits, program reviews, reporting activities, and compliance monitoring as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices through training and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with the Business Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Services, and other departments to ensure accurate processing of student financial aid.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• One (1) year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, customer service, clerical support, or related office operations.
• Experience utilizing computer systems, databases, and office software applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience working in financial aid, admissions, student services, or higher education.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Etrieve, FAFSA processing, or related student information systems.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of

• Financial aid programs, policies, and procedures.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Office administration and recordkeeping procedures.
• FERPA requirements and confidentiality standards.
• Computer systems, databases, and office productivity software.

Ability to

• Interpret and apply financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Work independently and prioritize multiple assignments.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Provide excellent customer service in a diverse educational environment.

Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment requiring extensive use of computers, student information systems, and standard office equipment. The position requires frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies regarding sensitive and confidential information. Periodic evening or weekend work may be required to support registration, outreach events, orientations, workshops, or other student service activities.

College of The Albemarle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning and working environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or North Carolina law and COA policies.

Employment with College of The Albemarle is contingent upon the satisfactory results of background and reference checks.

College of The Albemarle does not provide work visa sponsorships. To be considered for employment, applicants must be permitted to legally work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and employment questions may be directed to Human Resources | [email protected]

Retirement, Health Insurance., Holidays, Annual/Sick Leave