What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Finance Advisor position at North American Trade Schools?
North American Trade Schools is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and student-focused Student Finance Advisor to join our team in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Student Finance Advisor serves as a primary point of contact for students and prospective students throughout the financial aid process. This position is responsible for helping students understand their financial aid options, completing required documentation, explaining financial obligations, and supporting students from enrollment through graduation or withdrawal.
The ideal candidate combines excellent customer service skills with strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Student Financial Aid Advising
- Provide individualized financial aid counseling to prospective, newly enrolled, and continuing students.
- Guide students and families through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
- Explain federal student aid programs, eligibility requirements, available funding options, and student financial responsibilities.
- Assist students in understanding financial aid award notifications, tuition and fees, anticipated funding, and remaining balances.
- Conduct financial aid appointments and follow up with students to ensure timely completion of required documentation.
- Clearly communicate student loan responsibilities, repayment expectations, and available resources.
Enrollment and Student Support
- Partner with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other departments to support a smooth enrollment experience.
- Assist students in resolving financial aid questions and documentation issues that may affect enrollment or continued attendance.
- Maintain regular communication with students regarding outstanding financial aid requirements.
- Provide financial aid guidance to continuing students throughout their academic programs.
- Conduct and document required student loan entrance and exit counseling activities.
- Support students experiencing financial challenges by explaining available options and referring them to appropriate resources.
Financial Aid Administration and Compliance
- Review student financial aid files for completeness and accuracy before submission for processing.
- Collect, organize, and maintain financial aid documentation in accordance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
- Coordinate with financial aid processing personnel to resolve incomplete files, eligibility questions, and disbursement-related issues.
- Maintain accurate student records and document financial aid counseling and communications.
- Protect confidential student information in accordance with FERPA and institutional requirements.
- Support compliance with Title IV federal student aid regulations, institutional policies, and applicable state requirements.
- Assist with financial aid audits, reporting, and other administrative activities as needed.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
- Previous experience in financial aid, student services, admissions, banking, or a related customer-facing administrative role preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn student information and financial aid systems.
- Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Ability to work onsite and accommodate occasional evening hours to meet student needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a postsecondary education or career training environment.
- Familiarity with federal Title IV financial aid programs, FAFSA, verification, and student loan counseling.
- Experience using student information systems or financial aid management platforms.
- Knowledge of federal student aid compliance requirements and FERPA.
- Experience supporting nontraditional or adult learners.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who understands that financial aid is more than paperwork. It is an important part of helping students make informed decisions about their education and financial future.
Successful candidates will be approachable, dependable, proactive, and comfortable working directly with students who may be navigating the financial aid process for the first time.
The ability to balance student advocacy with regulatory compliance is essential.
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $21 - $23