Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor provides thorough and accurate financial aid counseling, financial aid processing of FAFSA files, and managing all financial aid communications to students regarding their financial aid.

This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.

The Financial Aid Advisor provides thorough and accurate financial aid counseling, financial aid processing of FAFSA files, and managing all financial aid communications to students regarding their financial aid.

Must be available to work during peak periods based on job responsibilities and college calendars. This position is located at the Centennial Campus, but may require travel to the Downtown Studio, and Rampart Range Campuses, based upon department needs. This position may also require employee to be available to work remotely, as needed.

There are two full-time positions available.

Minimum Qualifications

Completed Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited institution OR completed Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with two years of professional level experience in higher education student services (i.e. Admissions, Enrollment Services, Records, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, etc.) OR four years of professional level experience in accounting/finance, computer technology/software.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of professional level experience in higher education student services (i.e. Admissions, Enrollment Services, Records, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, etc.).
  Professional level experience in Financial Aid.
• Banner INB software experience or similar software experience.
• Demonstrated experience with federal, state, and institutional policies regarding financial aid.
• Demonstrated experience providing financial aid information and financial aid counseling to students.
• Demonstrated experience with computer software such as BANNER, Microsoft Office, EdConnect, etc.

For full consideration, all application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 10, 2024. Applications accepted until position is filled.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:

• Cover letter – Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
• Resume – Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Unofficial Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
• Professional References – Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

Essential Functions

Financial Aid Advising

• Provide excellent financial aid advising in person, or remotely on the phone, or via the financial aid email drive from which you are responsible for answering emails.
• Provide information and advise students, both prospective and current, about financial aid processes and applications, scholarships, eligibility requirements, student rights and responsibilities, etc.
• Resolve issues that arise as a result of miscommunication or misunderstanding on the part of students, parents and other campus staff as relates to the financial aid process.
• Explain and interpret financial aid procedures and regulations to staff members in order to assist them in their understanding of all student financial aid packages.
• Act as a first point of contact for the front counter staff regarding any financial aid customer service needs.
• Utilize financial aid expertise in order to perform Professional Judgments and Independent Overrides on a student-by-student basis to override normal situations that students report on their FAFSA.
• Ensuring accuracy of all information given, all documentation taken in, and all data-entry processes.
• Indexing financial aid documentation in BDM.
• Critically think about processes in order to make more effective, streamlined procedures.
• Participate in FAFSA Nights at local high schools as well as provide presentations to current and future college students regarding financial aid, student loans, and basic money management skills.
• Process financial aid verification of student files per federal regulations.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Financial Aid Communications and Outreach

• Implement a proactive approach for student outreach regarding their financial aid processes.
• Professionally communicate with students regarding missing documents and its effect on their financial aid.
• Perform strategic outreach to ensure student response and timely submission of financial aid documents.
• Maintain constant and consistent follow-up and with students to complete financial aid files and award students their financial aid.

General Duties, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Cultural competence and demonstrated evidence, understanding, and commitment to the concepts of diversity, multiculturalism, and their application in the workplace.
• Maintain expert knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies regarding all types of financial aid (i.e., Pell Grant, Colorado Student Grant, Stafford Loans, Work-Study, etc.).
• Resolve data integrity issues and discrepancies within the system.
• Requires face-to-face or remote contact with a diverse population of students.
• Advise students of the various aspects of financial aid (i.e., application procedures, verification documentation, scholarship and grant guidelines, federal and private loan conditions, Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, etc.).
• Assist students with completion of FAFSAs and required documentation to be awarded financial aid both in-person and remotely.
• Explain financial aid processes, awards, and provide financial aid guidance via email, telephone, in-person meetings or remotely, and presentations/FAFSA nights.
• Perform Professional Judgments for students who have special circumstances in regard to their income and dependency status.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience are required.
• Ability to multi-task is critical.
• Cross-train team members on specialty areas of duty.

As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:

• PERA retirement benefits.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Life and Disability Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
• Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College’s best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.