College Financial Aid Advisor (Bilingual: English/Spanish)

College Financial Aid Advisor

Department: Programming Reports to: Director of Programs

Schedule: Hybrid (2 days remote); evenings and occasional Saturdays required

LUCA is a college access and success nonprofit organization in Westchester County whose mission is to empower first-generation, low-income students on their journeys to and through college so they can fulfill their remarkable potential.

Position Overview

LUCA is seeking a College Financial Aid Advisor to support scholars and families through the financial aid and college funding process. This role delivers community information sessions and FAFSA Bootcamps, advises students on financial aid and public benefit processes, assists with applications, and provides presentations for Access scholars and Success scholars currently enrolled in college.

The advisor works collaboratively with LUCA’s Access and Success teams to support workshops and events throughout the year, including evening and occasional Saturday programming.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Aid Advising

• Explain the full cost of college, including tuition, fees, housing, books, and indirect expenses

• Help families understand financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans

• Advise students and families on FAFSA and CSS Profile completion

FAFSA & Application Support

• Provide step-by-step guidance for completing the FAFSA

• Assist with verification, corrections, and special circumstance reviews

• Advise on dependency status, household size, and income reporting

Scholarship & College Cost Support

• Identify and share scholarship opportunities (institutional, private, local, and merit-based)

• Compare financial aid award letters and support affordability decision-making

• Assist with financial aid appeals and problem-solving when appropriate

Workshops & Outreach

• Coordinate and deliver financial literacy workshops and information sessions

• Support community events, including evenings and some Saturdays

• Communicate with college financial aid offices, when permitted

Projects

• Other projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Bilingual (English/Spanish required)

• Minimum of 2 years of financial aid experience in higher education

• Strong attention to detail with experience in data management and file maintenance

• Experience working with college access or student success programs preferred
• Skills: Active listening skills, collaboration, team player, problem solving, excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

• Ability to stand for 3 hours or more during events

• Assist with event setup and breakdown, including moving chairs and tables