Financial Aid Advisor - South Bend/Elkhart

Ivy Tech Community College; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Dental plan

Vision plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ivy Tech Community College is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor to guide students and staff through financial aid policies and procedures. The role requires counseling, timely handling of inquiries, and accurate data handling to ensure optimal financial aid outcomes.

The position is based at the Ivy Tech South Bend/Elkhart campus with travel across service areas. A year of related experience with an associate degree is typical; a bachelor’s is preferred, and strong customer service is essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with a minimum of one year of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with financial aid information systems preferred.
• Must possess strong customer service and interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects our diverse student and employee populations.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with FAFSA filing and financial aid processes.
• Answer financial aid tickets and monitor campus email.
• Perform data entry, document management, and maintain student records.
• Process forms for housing, SNAP, TANF and other agencies.
• Advise students and staff on financial aid and veteran/military benefits.
• Research complex student issues using government websites.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Financial aid information systems

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid for the Ivy Tech South Bend/Elkhart service area, the Financial Aid Advisor will instruct students and staff on financial aid policies and procedures to ensure the best financial aid outcome. This position is key to providing financial aid counseling to students, resolving issues, and providing quality customer service by answering student and staff inquiries, providing accurate information, and assisting with the flow of student information in a timely and efficient manner. Working hours may vary. The position will be located at the Ivy Tech South Bend/Elkhart campus, but additional travel will be required throughout the Ivy Tech South Bend/Elkhart service area.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist students with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Answer financial aid tickets in SmartView and monitor the campus financial aid email. Perform data entry, word processing, faxing, mailing, filing, copying, and document imaging and maintaining student financial aid records. Process forms for external agencies including forms for housing, SNAP, TANF, Workforce Development, and Vocational Rehabilitation. Run, review, and process reports as required. Advise students and other department staff with various questions and concerns about financial aid and veteran/military educational benefits. Utilize various governmental websites (ScholarTrack, CPS, COD, NSLDS) to research difficult student issues. Handle verification inquiries from students and staff and upload documents to Global. Review program changes and updates to verify continuing financial aid eligibility. Assist with the promotion and coordination of campus scholarship programs. Assist with the coordination of the work‑study program. Assist in workshops such as College Goal Sunday, High School Financial Aid Nights, orientations, and other activities on campus designed for new students. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Director of Financial Aid

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

HIRING RANGE

$42,000 - $45,000

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associate degree with a minimum of one year of relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience with financial aid information systems preferred. Must possess strong customer service and interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work without supervision. Must demonstrate the ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees and which every individual feels respected and valued. Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well‑being, growth, and financial security of our full‑time faculty and staff.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Health & Wellness
• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
• Dental plan with no‑cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
• Vision plan with low‑cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering no‑cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
• Retirement & Financial Security 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
• Short‑term and long‑term disability benefits
• Educational Benefits Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Work‑Life Balance Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
• Flexible work arrangements where available
• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
• Additional Perks Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits. Note: Employees who re‑hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full‑time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. At Ivy Tech, you’ll be part of something bigger, where collaboration fuels innovation, learning is a shared journey, and meaningful goals become life‑changing achievements. As Indiana’s only full‑fledged community college, we’re deeply rooted in our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and support one another every step of the way. No matter your role, you’ll be valued, supported, and inspired because here, people come first. Our faculty and staff are united by purpose, driven by passion, and proud of the difference we make together. Join a team where your work matters. Discover your potential. Make your impact. Ivy Tech is the largest singly accredited community college system in the nation. Providing education across Indiana, we motivate and inspire students as they pursue their futures. To achieve this, it takes a community of over 6,500 employees in 75 locations. Competitive benefits and professional development programs The most advanced technologies in our classrooms and training facilities Collaborative and innovative culture with a focus on creativity and employee belonging Commitment to adapting to meet Indiana's workforce needs and fostering a sustainable, inclusive workplace.