Financial Aid Advisor
Muskegon Community College

Job Info

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Financial Aid Advisor Tracking Code644-262Job Description

Muskegon Community College, an associate degree-granting institution of higher education, is a center for lifelong learning which provides persons the opportunity to attain their educational goals by offering programs that respond to individual, community, and global needs.

Muskegon Community CollegeNamed the 19th Best Community College in the U.S. in 2021, Muskegon offers accredited academic programs leading to 56 associate degrees and 29 certificates. As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, MCC's nationally recognized commitment to student success unites its faculty and staff in their mission to prepare students, build communities and improve lives. One of Michigan's most picturesque community colleges, the Muskegon main campus building - an award-winning Alden Dow design - spans Four Mile Creek on a 15-acre sylvan setting. The campus boasts several new multimillion-dollar facilities - the Health and Wellness Center, the Science Center and the Art and Music Building - and includes University Park Golf Course and the Carr-Fles Planetarium. The Sturrus Technology Center in historic downtown Muskegon is home to state-of-the-art applied technology offerings, the Rooks|Sarnicola Entrepreneur Center and the Lakeshore Fab Lab. MCC offers classes in adjacent Ottawa and Newaygo Counties. Living in Muskegon County
Muskegon County residents enjoy 26 miles of sugar-sand beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline, as well as one of America's only luge tracks at the Winter Sports Complex and the regionally popular Michigan's Adventure Amusement & Water Park. An outdoor recreation hub with three state parks and swimming, fishing and boating on its many lakes and rivers, the Muskegon area offers dynamic downtown and beachfront restaurant and entertainment venues. The Muskegon Farmer's Market is the second largest in Michigan. Cruise ships dock in Muskegon, while a high-speed ferry connects the city to Milwaukee. Notable local museums range from rare art collections to an actual World War II submarine and a U.S. Navy ship used during D-Day. Salary: $45,000-$53,000 depending on experience Application Deadline: Open until filled; First Review on March 25, 2024

General Description:

Provides student-focused service and guidance regarding student aid programs, educational funding options, and the financial aid application process. Maintain active knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures in order to assist students, parents and admissions, registration and counseling staff with questions/problems concerning financial aid via phone and in person. Verify and award financial aid files for accuracy. Serve on the Standard of Academic Progress (SAP) Committee. Assist in the administration of federal, state, institutional and outside aid programs.Required Skills

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor's degree required in management, accounting, finance, business administration or related field.2. Two years administrative experience working with financial aid or related field and experience with state program administration preferred.3. High proficiency in demonstration of office technology, software, & equipment. Ability and willingness to upgrade skills including technology or process changes.4. Demonstrated use of tact, judgement and discretion, and able to relate to people of all ages, races, and social-economic backgrounds.5. Demonstrated excellence in both oral and written communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.6. Flexibility and ability to adapt to variety of work situations and personalities.7. Demonstrated excellence in customer service.8. Able to utilize a college ERP computer system, preferred experience with Colleague. Willingness to learn reporting tools used by the college.9. Strong organizational, planning and time management skills; strong analytical and decision-making skills.10. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; comfortable with self-direction.11. Ability to supervise front-line staff student worker.12. Ability to adhere to written guidelines/procedures.13. Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and privacy Act (FERPA).14. Demonstrated use of tact, judgement and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.15. Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the college. Essential Function:1. Primary advisor to handle on demand/walk-in, virtual, and phone appointments for student aid advising.2. Assist with financial aid application and verification documentation questions by providing customer service as needed.3. Maintain and manage scholarship software.4. Develop and maintain consistent and clear communication with students applying for scholarships, Student Services Council, Faculty, the Foundation and all other parties dealing with MCC scholarships.5. Responsible for updating and training on financial aid programs, regulations and information to enhance student knowledge and success.6. Maintain and develop relationships with front-line customer service staff, with all internal and external constituents. Responsible for establishing a warm welcoming environment.7. Develop presentations for families and students on various ways to meet educational expenses, educate them in financial literacy, proper filing procedures and discuss financial need.8. Involved with verifying and awarding students' financial aid files.9. Develop policies and procedures for the State Grant and Scholarship programs. Audit students' records for compliance with state regulations, ensure certification of payment rosters, and stay informed on any new programs and changes in regulations.10. Assist in various aspects of administering federal, state, institutional and outside donor financial aid programs.11. Assist with adjudication of student appeals relating to academic progress.12. Cross-train with other staff as backup for retrieval of electronic applications for the Department of Education secure site.13. Demonstrate and train others to cultivate a supportive financial aid culture to deliver superior customer service.14. Develop and maintain various process manuals on tasks being completed by this position and those under the supervisor of this position.15. Utilize professional judgment to adjust a student's eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal statutes.16. Participate in the development of institutional financial aid policies and procedures that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.17. Provide support to students experiencing family, personal or economic crises which may impact school performance.18. Other duties as assigned. Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:Mental Demands:☒ Detailed Work

☒ Student Contact

☒ Deadline oriented

☒ Problem Situations

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands

☒ Emergency Situations

☒ Confidentiality

☐ On-call Availability

☒ Continual Interruptions

☒ Working Alone

☒ Faculty Contact

☒ Working with Others

Physical Demands:☒ Standing & Walking

☒ Sitting

☐ Reclining

☒ Carrying

☐ Lifting up to 10 lbs. ☒ Up to 25 lbs. ☐ Up to 50 lbs. ☐ 80 + lbs.☐ Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending

☐ Climb or Balance

☐ Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

☐ Squatting

☒ Handle or Feel

☐ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒ Talking or hearing

☐ Tasting/Smelling

☐ Working Overhead

☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☐ Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions☒ Ability to Adjust and Focus Work Environment:☐ Exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat/cold; and moderate to loud noise levels.☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required. Muskegon Community College continues to promote staff diversity, and is an equal opportunity employer. MCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or any other protected class in any of its educational programs, activities or employment. Minorities, women, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply. Anyone with a disability will be reasonably accommodated by the College. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance in applying for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office.Job LocationMuskegon, Michigan, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular

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