Financial Aid Advisor

Job Summary:

As a part of the CU Anschutz Financial Aid & Scholarships team, the Financial Aid Advisor has a primary responsibility to counsel health professions students and families regarding educational funding and processes through two-way conversations. The Financial Aid Advisor meets with CU Anschutz students in walk-in or scheduled appointments for the purposes of addressing their needs to include, but not be limited to the completion of funding applications, required documentation and the completion of tasks that lead to successful funding. This position serves as the primary point of contact for CU Anschutz students with financial situations and moderately complex needs.

The Financial Aid Advisor participates in recruitment initiatives and outreach programs, retention work, and orientation and graduation activities.  This role will work collaboratively with colleagues in adjacent offices at CU Anschutz to provide wrap around support for all issues, helping students navigate to additional resources as necessary. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.

Key Responsibilities :

• Advises health professions students and families in understanding the financial aid process, funding options, costs, and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Interprets complex financial aid requirements and regulations and communicates how those apply to individual student circumstances.
• Advises students, families, university personnel, community groups and agency personnel who inquire about financial aid programs and aid opportunities.
• Determines eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
• Uses professional judgment to interpret regulations, policies and procedures and how they apply to financial need, budgets, or other items to determine needed changes appropriate to individual student aid packages.
• Ensures accuracy and compliance when awarding and adjusting student financial aid on individual student accounts.
• Presents at on campus and off campus engagements to educate students and families on various aspects of the financial aid process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis, but not for the specific experience.
• One (1) year of professional level experience in a financial aid, admissions and/or scholarships office or related field that focuses on customer services in a financial context (ex. Banking, Advisory, Wealth Management, Insurance, etc.).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Condition of Employment

• Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of professional experience working in a financial aid office.
• Experience working in a health sciences center.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Training in de-escalation and/or customer service.
• Experience working with student information systems (e.g. PeopleSoft or Banner).

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Analytical Skills - Ability to interpret complex information and use it to inform decision making. Ability to find effective solutions by taking a holistic perspective.
• Attention to Detail – Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and master complex information.
• Communication Skills - Good command of the English language, and ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels; interacts with people in a friendly, open, honest manner; models a commitment to teamwork; demonstrates respect for the opinions of others; and maintains high level of confidentiality. Ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others. Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Financial Aid - Working knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations governing financial aid at a health sciences center.
• Customer Service – Demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service, providing internal and external customers with information or assistance in resolving problems.
• Adaptability – Adapts quickly to change and is able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a calm, organized manner; is open to new ideas and methods; is able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Planning and Organizing – Sets priorities, anticipates obstacles when planning ahead, manages time effectively to accomplish tasks.
• Technical Skills – Adept at utilizing technology to effectively communicate and complete work (e.g. MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, CRM, SIS); ability to learn new technology.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Mercy Booth, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the posting closes on March 23, 2024

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as $47,611 to $57,000.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .