Student Financial Advisor

Job Description Summary

Under the general direction of the Student Financial Support Manager, the Student Financial Advisor has overall responsibility for activities related to assisting students with understanding the financial aid and student account processes for Saint Leo University’s programs and providing optimal student service with every interaction. This position is stationed in person on our University Campus

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them form the position if the work is similar or related or a logical assignment to the position. Management may require incumbents to perform duties other than those contained in this document.

• Provide information to prospective and enrolled students regarding financial aid program and student account requirements and procedures via in person office visits, inbound/outbound telephone calls and email.
• Research financial aid issues; review forms for completeness, accuracy; verify information reported on student applications and other documentation.
• Research and resolve student account issues; taking payments, setting up payment arrangements, reviewing and advising on bills and outstanding balances
• Demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior in working with confidential information.
• Interpret, apply and comply with university as well as federal, state and institutional regulations governing student financial aid and student accounts; maintain current working knowledge of guidelines/regulations related to financial aid.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure that expectations of financial aid service are met consistently.
• Participate in all meetings and events as assigned.
• Support recruitment and retention efforts by collaborating across departments.
• Provide exemplary student service at all times.
• Communicate accurately and positively by telephone and email to students and internal customers.
• Demonstrate an ability to problem solve issues with students utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Able to work an 8 hour shift between 8am and 6pm EST.
• Participates in special events and in evening and weekend work as needed.
• Being at work on time and maintaining good attendance is a requirement of employment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Requires demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to Saint Leo University’s mission and core values.
• Promoting diversity and supporting students, staff and faculty of diverse socioeconomic, gender, cultural, ethnic, and age differences.
• Employment is dependent upon successful access to the National Student Loan Data System, which requires all federal student loans to be in good standing and not in default and a credit check to review that student loans are not in default

Knowledge:

• High school diploma required. Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution preferred
• Financial aid experience preferred
• Previous contact center and/or customer service skills preferred.

Skills:

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague preferred
• Proficiency with MS office
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to execute multiple objectives concurrently.
• Ability to engage with a variety of constituents (current students, alumni, faculty, etc.) from many different cultural backgrounds.
• Proven customer service experience, and experience involving financial aid, college admissions, and cashiering; or an equivalent combination of education, customer service training and experience.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to work collegially and collaboratively within a team, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional weekends as needed.

Abilities:

• Ability to work evening shifts to accommodate business needs.
• Ability to be flexible with a changing environment.

ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various type of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. 

ACKNOWLEDEMENT:

Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the responsibilities, qualifications, requirements and working conditions of the position.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world. Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period