Lorraine Garcia
Thornton,Colorado
Summary
Accomplished Financial Aid Advisor devoted to students' needs. Focused on helping students manage and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems negatively impacting wellbeing or academic success. Additional expertise in counseling students on career paths and higher education options. Focused on adhering to the established objectives of counseling programs. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Financial Aid Advisor
Lincoln College of Technology
Denver
04.2016 - Current
- Conducts needs analysis in compliance with federal criteria to determine the relative eligibility of each financial aid applicant
- Conducts verification of student and parent application data in compliance with federal criteria
- Determines the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded through the packaging process according to federal, state and institutional requirements
- Monitors individual student awards
- Resolves data conflicts and over awards
- Works with Financial Aid Coordinator on individual student appeals concerning eligibility
- Utilizes professional judgment to adjust a student’s eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal statutes
- May refer complex eligibility situations to the Financial Aid Coordinator
- Provides financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of financial aid process
- Makes necessary referrals to other student service offices
- Provides support to students experiencing family, personal or economic crises which may impact school performance.
- Assisted with completing FAFSA forms, loan documents, promissory notes and other related paperwork.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions with students and their families regarding financial aid options and eligibility requirements.
- Explained the differences between federal, state, institutional, private and alternative loans.
- Researched new policies and procedures for awarding funds to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Managed a caseload of student accounts; monitored progress towards completion of degree programs.
- Analyzed credit histories to determine eligibility for federal loan programs.
- Processed requests for additional funding; evaluated extenuating circumstances to determine need-based awards or adjustments in existing awards.
- Collaborated with university personnel to resolve billing disputes or discrepancies in student accounts.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions related to student financial assistance activities.
- Monitored changes in legislation that may affect the availability or distribution of funds.
- Developed presentations on topics such as managing debt, avoiding default status and understanding loan terms.
- Assessed family contributions based on income statements; determined eligibility for grants or scholarships.
- Interpreted complex legal documents such as loan agreements, promissory notes and disclosure statements.
- Evaluated appeals submitted by students seeking additional funds due to special circumstances.
- Gave workshop and other group presentations to inform students of options and educate on financial aid process.
- Reviewed client documentation and contracts for discrepancies and mistakes.
- Verified client financial information to determine creditworthiness and loan eligibility.
- Developed loan contracts and explained contract terms to clients.
- Approved or denied loan applications and explained reasoning behind decisions.
Group Living Counselor
Colorado Department of Youth Corrections- Betty Marler Youth Center
Lakewood, CO
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Mandated Reporter for our youth in the State of Colorado
- Provides assistance to incarcerated youth with mental challenges and help them with their program norms
- Ensures the highest standards are maintained to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct and to ensure the program remains in compliance with agency licensing and company policies
- Adheres to the facility schedule, assists with ensuring that the unit is on time for all elements and completes daily assignments and provides encouragement, guidance and resources to the juveniles
- Provides consistent interactive supervision of student athletes to ensure the safety, health and welfare of staff and students at all times.
- Assisted clients with daily activities, such as meal preparation, personal hygiene, and medical appointments.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation of challenging behaviors in a group home setting.
- Conducted assessments for new residents and developed individualized treatment plans.
- Monitored client progress toward goals and documented changes in behavior or attitude.
- Developed positive relationships with clients to promote healthy communication and social skills.
- Facilitated weekly group sessions to discuss topics including anger management, conflict resolution, life skills development, and self-esteem building.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality care for each client's unique needs.
- Maintained accurate records of all interactions with residents to support continuity of care.
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols at all times within the residential facility.
- Implemented evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during counseling sessions with clients.
- Responded promptly to any emergency situations that arose in the residence hall or surrounding areas.
- Participated in regular team meetings to review case information and receive updates from staff members.
Youth Advocate
Adams County Youth Advocate Program
Thornton, CO
07.2015 - 02.2016
- Mandated Reporter for our youth in Adams County
- Participate in the development of individualized service plans for youth
- Develop healthy, mentoring relationships with youth
- Participate in regular mentoring activities with youth
- Model pro-social behaviors for youth
- Thoroughly document all work done on behalf of youth clients
- Present progress reports and attend meetings as necessary.
- Developed and implemented individualized plans for youth in care, ensuring that their needs were met.
- Facilitated communication between family members and other professionals involved with the child's welfare.
- Assisted in coordinating services for youth with special needs or disabilities.
- Counseled youth on life choices, career paths, and educational opportunities.
- Trained staff on effective approaches to working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Monitored progress of clients through regular check-ins and assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of client information including progress notes, treatment plans.
- Educated clients on relevant issues such as substance abuse prevention, mental health awareness.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss cases and develop plans of action.
- Maintained positive, compassionate and respectful environment for individuals to feel safe.
- Assessed needs for each person to ascertain suitable services.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
- Used calm, positive and encouraging approach with youth.
- Coordinated referrals to community resource programs to provide additional and specialized support for youth.
- Applied clinical and behavioral knowledge to maintain safety during crisis moments.
Student Finance Advisor
Westwood College
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 10.2015
- Schedule and conduct meetings with students and parents in accordance with established school policy to complete Financial Aid process
- Review ISIRs and Financing options, perform quick credit check, and review student's status
- Present and discuss Estimated Award Letter and Retail Installment Contract (Apex or Cash note)
- Make outbound phone calls and discuss and collect any missing documents
- Counsel student in applicable gap financing as well as State Grants, scholarships, tuition assistance, and other funding resources
- Scan and Review Documents into Image Now and perform Document Quality Control
- Prepare and attend registration and orientation upon each start
- Work as a member of a cross-functional team that includes members of admissions, student services and the registrar’s office.
- Conducted outreach activities to inform students of available funding sources and scholarship opportunities.
- Monitored changes in legislation that affect student finance programs such as FAFSA updates or new loan options.
- Prepared documents associated with audits conducted by regulatory agencies such as Department of Education or Internal Revenue Service.
- Researched new policies and procedures for awarding funds to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Analyzed credit histories to determine eligibility for federal loan programs.
- Interpreted complex legal documents such as loan agreements, promissory notes and disclosure statements.
- Provided one-on-one counseling to students regarding financial aid program options and requirements.
- Approved or denied loan applications and explained reasoning behind decisions.
- Located and suggested loan packages that met client needs and priorities.
Student Finance Operations Center
Westwood College
Denver, CO
03.2009 - 09.2014
- Interfaced with students via phone and in person to assist them with their Financial Aid process
- Provided support to dependent and independent students and their parents with questions about Student Finance
- Informed students of government guidelines to insure their Financial Aid is correct
- Attended regulatory training regarding government rules and regulations for Title IV funding
- Work with Admissions to meet or exceed customer service expectations
- Assisted veterans with completing their military benefits paperwork to attend college
- Certificate of Excellence for October 2011 term and March 2012 term
- Certificate of Completion for Student Finance Verification for the 2012/2013 school year.
Paralegal
Farrell and Selden, Attorneys at Law
Centennial, CO
06.2008 - 10.2008
- Interfaced with Lawyers and other Paralegals to identify needed and required paperwork to correctly file affidavit of service forms (Form 459) and associated paperwork
- Notary Public for the State of Colorado
- Prepared and validated approximately 70 Affidavit of Service forms on a daily basis
- Knowledge of Colorado Counties and associated Courts and Police Departments
- Verified thorough and completed documents to reduce and/or eliminate additional man hours
- Daily use of Toucan Program, associated cost posting, court costs and related filings and fees.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Conducted research on relevant laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and legal articles.
- Assisted in the preparation of legal arguments and memoranda of law.
- Maintained client files according to established protocols.
- Drafted discovery responses including interrogatories and requests for production of documents.
- Participated in mediation sessions by preparing necessary materials and taking notes during meetings.
- Researched applicable statutes, codes, regulations, ordinances, and precedent cases.
- Provided administrative support such as answering phones or scheduling appointments.
- Organized exhibits for trial by preparing materials and supporting documentation.
- Coordinated subpoena services and other support activities for legal office.
- Reduced workflow downtime by effectively organizing and managing client billing and case management files.
- Prepared compliance and regulatory forms for legal cases and suits.
- Processed closing documents and transactional documents for legal review.
- Drafted witness declarations and pretrial statements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Westwood College - Denver North
Denver, CO07-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Everest Community College
Denver, CO05-2009
Skills
- Presentations and public speaking
- Compliance requirements
- Strategic Planning
- Training and mentoring
- Data Interpretation
- Relationship Building
- School Programs Development
- Peer Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Progress Reporting
- Team building
- Excellent Communication
- Self Motivation
- Organizational Skills
- Therapy and counseling
- Active Listening
- Goal Setting
- Multitasking
- Conflict Mediation
- Mental health assessments
- Professional Demeanor
- Time Management
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Conflict Management Education
- Crisis Intervention
- Professionalism
Timeline
Corporate Financial Aid Advisor
Lincoln College of Technology
04.2016 - Current
Group Living Counselor
Colorado Department of Youth Corrections- Betty Marler Youth Center
10.2015 - 04.2016
Youth Advocate
Adams County Youth Advocate Program
07.2015 - 02.2016
Student Finance Advisor
Westwood College
01.2015 - 10.2015
Student Finance Operations Center
Westwood College
03.2009 - 09.2014
Paralegal
Farrell and Selden, Attorneys at Law
06.2008 - 10.2008
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Westwood College - Denver North
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Everest Community College
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