Financial Aid Advisor (Fully Remote)

Description

The Financial Aid Advisor manages assigned groups of students while also supporting shared phone and email queues. The Advisor counsels students and, when appropriate, parents or other authorized parties regarding student funding plans, financial aid requirements, and next steps. The role requires a working knowledge of Title IV financial aid including verification, C-codes, conflicting information, and general federal financial aid eligibility. Advisors also counsel students on the requirements of academic progression and the potential impact on their financial aid eligibility and funding plan. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Advising and Communication

• Provides timely, accurate, and student-centered assistance by phone and email, using clear language to explain financial aid concepts, requirements, funding plans, and academic requirements.
• Maintains contact with all assigned unpackaged students at least every 72 hours and responds to voicemail and email within one business day.
• Listens actively, confirms understanding, and adapts explanations to the student's individual circumstances while remaining professional, respectful, and solutions-focused.
• Reports promptly and prepared for scheduled meetings and calls and maintains appropriate availability for incoming student communication.
• Supports the department's shared service model by reviewing and assisting any student's file when responding to incoming calls or communications. 

File Review, Documentation, and Follow-Through

• Reviews student records before and during interactions to provide accurate information and identify outstanding financial aid requirements or next steps.
• Documents student interactions, commitments, attempted contacts, actions taken, and required follow-up accurately and promptly in designated systems.
• Screens submitted documents for readily identifiable concerns, including incorrect document types, missing pages, incomplete forms, or information that does not appear to correspond with the stated requirement. 
• Reviews ISIR information with students and recognizes common or readily identifiable discrepancies involving items such as name, date of birth, high school completion status, and tax information.
• Resolves routine financial aid questions and escalates complex eligibility, compliance or student account concerns to the appropriate team or leader. 

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, Associate degree preferred
• Prior financial aid, higher education, advising, customer service, or other relevant student-facing experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn student information, customer relationship management, document-management, and communication systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical or regulatory information in understandable, student-friendly language.
• Strong documentation skills and consistent attention to accuracy, completeness, and detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize an assigned group of students while responding effectively to shared queues and changing needs.
• Ability to build rapport, ask effective questions, de-escalate concerns, and guide students toward action.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional ethics, inclusion, and a respectful workplace.
• Receptiveness to feedback, willingness to learn, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to shared departmental goals and service standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business equipment. Sitting for long periods of time; up to 8 hours of computer and/or phone work daily.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a 100% remote position. Candidates must have a dedicated, quiet, and distraction-free home workspace with a reliable high-speed internet connection and video-conferencing capability (including active Zoom video participation). 

The expected hourly range for this position is between $24.00 and $25.00. .Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. 

Escoffier offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, voluntary life and disability insurance
• 401k Retirement Program with an employer match
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation and sick days
• 11 paid holidays

Triumph Higher Education LLC and its Companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Triumph Higher Education LLC and its affiliates are Drug Free Workplaces.