Financial Aid Advisor - Retention

Within the Division of the Office of Student Finance, the ADP Financial Aid Advisor for Retention is responsible for working with all online and satellite continuing students related to the tuition process for Post University. This position coordinates the different payment options to ensure student tuition obligations are met. This individual will provide excellent customer service to students proactively and utilize problem-solving skills to work with students to promote success and retention. The FSA is also responsible for all Financial Aid administrative tasks related to online and satellite students.

In this position, Post University currently offers the option to work remotely. Candidates must plug their equipment into their home router (a 50-foot ethernet cable will be provided by Post). No wireless connections are supported. The home internet minimum requirements are a 15 Mb download speed and a 53 Mb upload speed. The upload speed is essential for a consistent audio connection for the phone system.

Individuals with default status on federal student loans are not eligible for this role.

In this position, Post University currently offers the option to work remotely. Candidates must plug their equipment into their home router (Post provides a 50-foot ethernet cable). No wireless connections are supported. The home internet minimum requirements are a 25 Mb download speed and a 15 Mb upload speed with latency below 40. The upload speed is essential for a consistent audio connection for the phone system. (Please use the link here to test your home network speed- www.speedtest.net. Change the speed test server to Boston, MA- Comcast for accurate results.) Candidates whose home network speed does not meet the minimum requirements can independently contact their ISP to upgrade their service before their confirmed start date.

Note: Post associates must meet the minimum home network speeds and follow the hardware connection settings determined by their provisioned equipment and department role when working remotely. Additionally, candidates must have a reliable Internet connection and a designated and private home office or alternative workspace free from noise or distractions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Effectively communicate/explain all available payment options and necessary steps of the Financial Aid Application Process, student responsibilities, and general affordability question expectations for all New Students.

· Provide outstanding customer service to both internal and external customers.

· Extensively provide student-focused, solution-oriented communication and support to ensure all students are comfortable and sufficiently informed/prepared.

· Possess a basic understanding of federal student aid processes such as FAFSA processing, federal Stafford and plus loan, entrance and exit requirements, verification process and awards, as well as government policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

· Works closely with various departments, such as admissions, student accounts, registrars, and advising, to assist students with their tuition obligations.

· Promptly respond to all student questions, concerns, and needs regarding the tuition process within the established timeframe.

· Follow up with the student and/or internal departments to ensure the established payment methods are finalized.

· Perform data entry of student’s Financial Aid information and all comments in our databases related to students' current status to ensure full and proper documentation.

· Responsible for collecting complete and accurate documents to ensure each student file contains all necessary documentation as outlined by established guidelines.

· Counsels students with high balance or delinquent accounts and determines if additional financing is needed and how it can be obtained.

· Participates in student registration activities and development activities designed to promote student awareness, retention, and success.

· Uses a database and various computer software to maintain and monitor confidential and other student records and files.

· Attend Financial Aid training activities as appropriate.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Basic understanding of necessary documentation required by students for professional judgment requests.

· Ability to work weekend hours preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

· Bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, an equivalent combination of education, experience, or training can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

· Ability to work a Sunday through Thursday schedule after training preferred.

· Must have a reliable internet connection and a designated and secure home-office or alternative worksite environment.

· Previous experience in a higher education position such as admissions, tuition planning, and /or student finance preferred.

· Ability to adapt quickly to changes in rules and regulations and to stay within compliance.

· Ability to adapt quickly to internal changes to ensure continuous success of the University.

· Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with other employees at all levels and with diverse student populations.

· Ability to plan, organize, and implement assigned responsibilities and work well under pressure to meet established deadlines.

· Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environment with interruptions.

· Skill in communicating respectfully, sensitively, and effectively with people at various levels within an organization.

· Skill in following written instructions, formulas, and guidelines to analyze data to conclude.

· Ability to work in a team-oriented, objective-focused environment.

· Must have excellent PC skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and database software.

· Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to use tact and discretion in handling confidential information.

· Must be a self-starter with the ability to multi-task.