Logo
job logo

Financial Aid Counselor II

NMSU, Las Cruces, NM, United States


Position Details Title:

Financial Aid Counselor II

College/Division:

DACC Doña Ana CC

Department:

941660-DACC FINANCIAL AID SVCS

Location:

Doña Ana Community College (Offsite locations: East Mesa Campus/Espina Campus/Sunland Park)

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:

$53,165.80 - $67,786.96 (Commensurate with qualifications.)

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:

1.0

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement:

This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule:

Shift: Other Shift. Standard: M-F, 8-5, but will have occasional work beyond these hours depending on events, time of the year, or outreach commitments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities The Financial Aid Advisor provides comprehensive guidance to prospective and current students and their families throughout the financial aid process. This role includes counseling on funding options, determining eligibility, awarding aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and supporting student success through financial literacy, outreach, and retention efforts.

Student Advising & Counseling

Advise students and families on financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding

Assist with FAFSA completion, application requirements, deadlines, and dependency status

Counsel students on satisfactory academic progress (SAP), including GPA and completion requirements

Provide guidance on loan borrowing, repayment options, default prevention, and financial literacy

Advise students on the financial aid impact of dropping or withdrawing from courses

Develop academic plans for students not meeting SAP standards

Consult students on financial responsibility and refer to additional resources (e.g., WIOA, emergency aid, DVR)

Financial Aid Processing & Compliance

Review, verify, and package financial aid applications based on eligibility and enrollment

Perform need analysis, income and cost of attendance adjustments, and resolve over‑awards

Exercise professional judgment in evaluating special and unusual circumstances

Process appeals and prepare cases for committee review

Review and approve loan requests, including prorations and aggregate limits

Monitor and award specialized aid programs (e.g., Pell, waivers, summer crossover)

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations

Outreach & Student Engagement

Conduct financial aid presentations, workshops, and FAFSA completion events on and off campus

Provide in‑person loan counseling and entrance counseling sessions

Serve as a resource for high school counselors and community partners

Participate in new student orientation and recruitment activities

Respond to student inquiries and provide timely support via multiple communication channels

Data Management & Systems

Utilize systems such as Banner, Cognos, NSLDS, COD, BDMS, and Quick Connect

Maintain accurate student records and documentation

Perform data analysis, reporting, and file troubleshooting

Track and report outcomes for counseling sessions and default prevention efforts

Compliance, Training & Program Support

Stay current on financial aid regulations through ongoing training

Assist in developing and updating policies, procedures, and training materials

Participate in audits, reporting, and accreditation‑related activities

Collaborate with campus departments to resolve operational issues

Support departmental operations, including coverage for front‑line services

Student Success & Retention Support

Monitor academic progress and early alert systems (e.g., Quick Connect)

Communicate with students regarding appeal conditions and progress requirements

Support retention initiatives through proactive advising and intervention

Supervisory Duties

Provide guidance and training to staff and student employees

Assist in overseeing workflow and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures

Qualifications Required Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred experience in financial aid or higher education.

Preferred Spanish speaker.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort Environment:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort:

No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements:

Requires handling of average‑weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk:

No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

#J-18808-Ljbffr