Financial Aid Advisor - DeSoto Center

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for providing financial aid guidance and support to prospective and current students at the DeSoto Center. This position assists students throughout the financial aid process, promotes student success through exceptional customer service, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. The Advisor works collaboratively with campus departments and supports the District Director of Financial Aid in administering financial aid programs and services.

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS:

• Associate's degree required.
• Experience with computer data entry and maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience operating standard office equipment in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer and student service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive, approachable, and collaborative demeanor with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor''s Degree preferred and previous financial aid experience; OR
• Two (2) years of experience in financial aid, student counseling, enrollment services, higher education administration, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with student information systems, financial aid management systems, or related higher education software.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, analyze student records, and resolve complex student issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Advising and Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to student inquiries via phone, email, and in person regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
• Assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving application issues.
• Guide students through verification requirements and the submission of required documentation.
• Assist students with Mississippi state aid applications, Master Promissory Notes (MPNs), Entrance Counseling, and federal loan requests.
• Refer students to appropriate college departments when inquiries fall outside the scope of financial aid.
• Educate students and families regarding financial aid options, policies, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Processing

• Award Mississippi state aid programs in accordance with state guidelines and funding allocations.
• Award Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and other external awards based on eligibility and supporting documentation.
• Process Dual Enrollment financial aid awards as authorized.
• Review and process financial aid records, including unresolved or incomplete ISIRs.
• Assist students with registration issues related to financial aid eligibility, including the use of Incomplete Slips when appropriate.
• Monitor student financial aid files to ensure timely processing and awarding.

Compliance and Reporting

• Submit enrollment verification reports to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid following established deadlines.
• Monitor student enrollment to ensure compliance with state and federal aid requirements.
• Review student schedules and enrollment status to ensure eligibility for financial aid programs.
• Verify Pell Grant eligibility and award sequencing prior to scholarship application.
• Submit end-of-term grade verification reports and reconcile Mississippi state aid awards.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and program-specific regulations.
• Assist with audits, program reviews, and reporting requirements as requested.

Federal Work-Study Administration

• Coordinate Federal Work-Study student placement opportunities.
• Process required employment documentation and monitor timesheet submissions.
• Assist with maintaining compliance for Federal Work-Study program requirements.

Operational Support

• Collaborate with campus departments to support student success and enrollment goals.
• Assist the District Director of Financial Aid with reports, projects, audits, and special assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in professional development and training to remain current on financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to supporting student success and promoting access to higher education.

ENIVIROMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional lifting of office materials.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work during peak enrollment and registration periods.

APPLICATION:

Interested applicants should submit and attach the following:

• Application at www.northwestms.edu
• Resume
• Three (3) Professional References (Name, Phone Number, and Email)
• Application Deadline: Open until filled

Northwest Mississippi Community College is a two-year, open access public community college primarily serving 11 counties in northwest Mississippi. Our vision states that "Northwest Mississippi Community College transforms our students' lives, enriches our communities, and strives for excellence in our educational programs and services."

Accreditation

Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in career education. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3309, e-mail address mkelsay@northwestms.edu; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3409, e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 560-5216, email estanford@northwestms.edu.

Safety Statement

The safety and security of students, faculty, and staff is very important to Northwest Mississippi Community College. A copy of the Annual Security Report, published annually by the Campus Police Department, details Northwest policies and procedures regarding campus safety. A copy of the report, which contains the annual crime statistics report, is available online in the current Northwest Bulletin (www.northwestms.edu/bulletin) or on the Northwest website (www.northwestms.edu) and in printed form upon request from the Campus Police Office at (662) 562-3314.

Background Check Statement

Northwest Mississippi Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. NWCC 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.