POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Student Advisement Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1869
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Financial Aid Coordinator
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Student Advisement Specialist serves primarily as a broad resource and advisor for students by working individually with those facing unique challenges to the continuation of their education at Missouri State. This position shall utilize campus resources from beyond the Office of Student Financial Aid to provide a balanced service which addresses student concerns at their cause. The Student Advisement Specialist collects information from students which indicates areas of potential growth for the department and conveys it to the supervisor. Duties also include regular tasks critical to the disbursement of Title IV and private financial aid, such as disbursement of private student loans, sending and receiving data files from the US Department of Education, and R2T4 calculations.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required.
Experience: At least one year of general counseling in a professional setting, or two years of formal general counseling education, or two years of experience in a financial aid office.
Skills: Ability to communicate calmly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, family members, fellow employees, college administrators, and other constituents of the University is required. Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills are required. The ability to organize large volumes of work, work independently, evaluate, and determine the correct course of action is required. Must be comfortable speaking before groups of students, family members, and colleagues. Ability to relate effectively to all publics and strong organizational and time management skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Experience with Ellucian software (Banner) is preferred.
Other: Limited after-hours work will be necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Meets individually with students by phone, teleconference, or in person as determined to be appropriate for the concerns being addressed for advisement.2. Creates instructions or objectives for students if needed to promote healthy future financial wellness within the scope of postsecondary education.
3. Reviews student financial aid information prior to consultations for an accurate account of student’s history and factors which may contribute to the present concern.
4. Gathers information from the student and other involved individuals to effectively address concerns raised by the student.
5. Applies prior knowledge of the student’s situation and knowledge of financial aid regulations to address concerns raised by the student.
6. Identifies areas of growth for the Office of Student Financial Aid based on discussions with students and constituents of the university and conveys these to the immediate supervisor.
7. Oversees the Office of Student Financial Aid appointment scheduling system, counselor line schedule, and student appointment schedule.
8. Contributes to broad-based management of the department by providing input to office policy and procedure decisions.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor of the Loan Team.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Student Financial Aid by performing all other duties as assigned by the supervisor of the Loan Team.
SUPERVISION
The Student Advisement Specialist reports to the Financial Aid Coordinator.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
AUGUST 2022