Financial Aid Representative

Description Pierce Mortuary Colleges offer comprehensive educational programs for individuals pursuing careers in funeral service, encompassing both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training to prepare students for licensure examinations and subsequent apprenticeships or internships. Approved by the Board of Trustees, the college's mission is to advance education in funeral service, including the study, research, and teaching of embalming and the broader business and profession of funeral service. POSITION TYPE: Full-time WORK LOCATION: Onsite POSITION SUMMARY: Manage and supervise all federal, state, private and institutional financial aid processed through the Financial Aid Offices at the Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. Monitor federal and state regulatory updates, training manuals, audits, institutional reports, professional aid literature, etc. (e.g., Federal Register, NASFAA and others as needed.) As a Financial Aid Representative, you will play a crucial role in assisting students and families in navigating the complex landscape of financial aid options. Your primary responsibilities will include providing personalized guidance, conducting financial aid workshops, managing scholarship programs, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide one-on-one financial aid counseling to students and families, offering guidance on completing financial aid applications, understanding eligibility criteria, and exploring available options. Conduct workshops and informational sessions to educate students and families about financial aid programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Assess financial aid applications, review supporting documentation, and determine eligibility for various financial aid programs based on federal, state, and institutional policies. Collaborate with academic advisors, admissions representatives, and other campus stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination of financial aid services and support. Manage scholarship programs, including application processes, selection committees, award disbursement, and compliance with donor requirements. Stay updated on changes to financial aid policies, regulations, and best practices, and communicate updates effectively to students and staff. Assist with financial aid appeals and special circumstances requests, providing guidance and advocacy for students facing unexpected financial challenges. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to financial aid transactions, communications, and student interactions. Participate in outreach efforts to recruit and retain students, promoting financial literacy and accessibility to higher education. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to financial aid resources and support services Provide overall direction for interpretation and implementation of federal, state and institutional policies; and ensure that internal processing procedures are developed to meet regulatory guidelines and requirements. Update and prepare training materials and office procedures in accordance with regulatory changes. Timely completion and submission of all required federal and state applications and reports. Track student aid awards, and expenditures; direct the draw down and disbursement of federal, resources; report expenditures, reconcile annual fund balances, and direct refunds. Ensure exception-free financial aid audits and program reviews. Initiate controls to limit over-awards, over earnings, account adjustments, etc.; apply academic progress and certification criteria to disbursement and refund programs; utilize student records system to fully implement rules, forms, processes and reports. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & RETENTION: Provide key assistance with the attraction and retention of all students who rely on financial aid in order to access the PMC educational programs. Develop policies and strategies for utilizing aid resources that assist the institution in meeting its optimal enrollment and retention goals. Proactively assist the campus Admissions and the academic departments in their recruitment activities by providing financial aid award packages for the prospective students in a timely way; counsel current and prospective students and their families about the costs of attendance, program eligibility via needs analysis and diverse academic criteria. Ensure staff at the PMC informs students and families about application procedures, award delivery time frames, payment plan options, long term debt management CUSTOMER RELATIONS: Develop financial aid materials (e.g. brochures and web pages) that are readily understandable and inform and educate current and prospective students about financial aid opportunities, regulations, and processes. Assure exceptional customer service to all constituents, especially students, through prompt responses to all correspondence (e.g., letters, email, surveys, reports, budget forms) and telephone inquiries. SKILLS: Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse populations. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a passion for helping students achieve their educational goals. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Empathetic and student-centered approach to advising, with a commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Proficiency in financial aid management software, databases, and Microsoft Office suite. Commitment to upholding ethical standards and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also demonstrating initiative and autonomy. Knowledge of federal and state regulatory guidelines and requirements. Experience with need analysis, counseling and packaging financial aid. Ability to work under pressure to meet timelines and objectives, and deal effectively with a diverse student body. QUALIFICATIONS: Associates degree in a related field such as education, counseling, finance, or business administration. A minimum of 1 year experience in financial aid administration, student services, or higher education advising. Requirements are commensurate with education and experience. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Limited exposure to physical risk. Pierce Mortuary Colleges (PMC) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, adhering to Equal Opportunity Employment principles and prohibiting all forms of discrimination and harassment. Emphasizing merit, competence, and performance, PMC ensures fair employment practices at all levels, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The organization recognizes the value of a diverse workforce in enhancing the quality of its services and endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties effectively.