Financial Aid Advisor

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

This position assists students and parents in finding and implementing funding sources to finance the student’s education, informs students/parents or their options, and advises as to which options are most suitable for their circumstances and needs. Incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment with respect to developing educational financing plans for students and parents; insures regulatory compliance; interprets complex federal requirements; and exercises professional judgment with respect to individual special circumstances and conditions. The incumbent reports to a Senior Financial Aid Advisor.

Examples of Work Performed

• Communicates pertinent information and instructions to students and parents regarding the application for, the delivery of, and the responsibilities accompanying loans, grants, college work/study and scholarship programs.
• Manages the administrative responsibilities of an assigned functional area (e.g., works directly with the Federal Direct Loan program, reviews and processes incoming Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS Loan certifications, reviews eligibility documents for loan default and bankruptcy statuses and resolves various loan-related issues as they arise).
• Counsels and advises students, prospective students and parents regarding financing options and determines which financial products best meet the students’ needs and financial circumstances by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different financial options.
• Cooperates with the various financial aid program administrators within the financial aid department in order to facilitate delivery of aid to students and administration of the various aid programs.
• Exercises professional judgment and makes decisions regarding students with special conditions as defined by federal guidelines.
• Awards student aid based on independent assessment of student’s eligibility needs and interprets and modifies computer generated award packages as needed.
• Cooperates with and assists students in their dealings with other departments that are associated with student financial aid e.g. Bursar's office, accounting office, admissions, and academic departments and assists in recruiting and orientation activities as needed.
• Maintains a working knowledge of pertinent federal regulations and participates in opportunities to update and enhance such knowledge.
• Offers appropriate financial counseling, advises students about academic progress requirements, advises students on requirements for completing the financial aid application process, and directs students to academic, peer and other counseling as needed
• Ensures all assigned tasks are in compliance with University, SEC Conference, and NCAA rules.
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Determines which financial products best meet the students’ needs and financial circumstances by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different financial options.
2. Exercises professional judgment and makes decisions regarding students with special conditions as defined by federal guidelines.
3. Communicates with students and parents on all aspects of financial aid opportunities, issues and procedures.
4. Awards aid based on student’s eligibility and needs.
5. Interprets and modifies financial aid packages consisting of private, institutional, state and federal funds.
6. Counsels students on matters concerning maintenance of academic eligibility for student aid.
7. Maintains interface with other university departments, outside agencies, and professional organizations.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

 

AND

 

Experience:
One (1) year of experience related to the above described duties.

 

Substitution Statement:
Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

 

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.