Student Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor at the College of Southern Idaho manages the financial aid process in a high-volume, student-centered environment. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while providing individualized counseling to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, applications, and awards. The advisor plays a key role in helping students access the financial resources necessary to pursue and complete their educational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Aid Processing (60%)

• Analyze and process student financial aid applications using PowerFAIDS, Anthology SIS, and federal systems (ISIR, COD, NSLDS).
• Ensure accuracy of data entry and compliance with federal, state, donor, and institutional policies and regulations.
• Determine eligibility for financial aid programs, including federal and state grants, loans, work-study, and institutional scholarships.
• Award financial aid packages based on student eligibility in accordance with all applicable regulations and funding guidelines.
• Complete verification, SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) reviews, and related eligibility processes.

Compliance, Reporting, and Professional Judgment (20%)

• Monitor student eligibility using system-generated reports, including enrollment status, SAP, GPA, and award status.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations throughout the academic year.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies such as over awards, overpayments, and eligibility conflicts, ensuring accurate documentation and communication.
• Evaluate and process professional judgment requests related to special or unusual circumstances, such as changes in income, household conditions, or financial need.
• Adjust cost of attendance, Student Aid Index (SAI), dependency status, and aid packages when appropriate and in accordance with federal guidance.
• Process dependency overrides and other exceptional cases requiring professional judgment review.

Student Counseling (10%)

• Provide individualized advising to current and prospective students and families regarding financial aid options, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
• Explain federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
• Assist students in understanding their financial aid awards and managing educational expenses.
• Provide guidance on special circumstances and professional judgment cases.

Collaboration and External Communication (5%)

• Collaborate with internal departments, external agencies, and scholarship donors to support the financial aid process.
• Maintain secure and compliant access to federal and state systems, including NSLDS and other authorized databases.
• Communicate effectively with external partners to ensure timely processing and resolution of financial aid matters.

Outreach, Presentations, and Other Duties (5%)

• Present financial aid and scholarship information to students, families, high school counselors, and community organizations.
• Conduct workshops and outreach sessions on campus and in the community regarding financial aid processes, deadlines, and requirements.
• Promote financial literacy by educating students and families on budgeting, loan management, and responsible borrowing.
• Assist students with scholarship applications and understanding eligibility criteria and deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries via in-person, phone, and email communication in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the Financial Aid Office.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and processes.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Preferred

• Experience in financial aid administration or higher education.
• Familiarity with financial aid systems such as PowerFAIDS, SIS platforms, and federal reporting tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Working Conditions

• This position is based on the main campus and may require occasional travel to other campuses or community sites for outreach, presentations, and student support activities.

Additional Information

• Tuition assistance for yourself and your immediate family here at CSI, reciprocal agreements for tuition assistance for you at Lewis-Clark State College and Idaho State University.
• Free Gym/Recreation center membership for you and your family.
• Discounted athletic events.
• Discounted Herrett Center events and shows.
• Medical – Select Health
• Dental – Delta Dental/Willamette
• Vision – Ameritas/VSP
• Retirement plan with the following contribution rates.    
  • Employee Contribution:     7.18%
  • Employer Contribution:    11.96%

The College of Southern Idaho is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to cultivating and sustaining an environment in which our employees and learners thrive. The College prohibits discrimination on the basis of any legally protected status.