Senior Financial Aid Counselor

A Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides in-depth counseling to students and parents on financial aid, oversees the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) program, and may lead a team of financial aid staff. This role involves evaluating financial aid applications, processing federal and state aid, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

WHAT MAKES THE Financial Aid Department A GREAT PLACE?

• A flexible work environment
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with a variety of partners.
• Professional development opportunity and mentorship
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

SCOPE: Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience.  Managing large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scopes and determining solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources, functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

ABILITY TO: Establish and maintain effective relationships with local and campus communities, businesses, and employers; work independently with minimum supervision; ascertain and evaluate the qualifications of job applicants; codes, laws and policies and apply with good judgment; communicate effectively in English; give presentations to individuals and groups; monitor, track and compile statistical information; follow and give oral and written directions; train and direct the work of student assistants and short-term, noncontinuing employees; maintain cooperative working relationships; demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse population; learn and interpret complex rules.

KEY AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, BUT NO LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of financial aid at the federal, state and institutional levels
• Reviews student's eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs and ensure students’ files are accurate and completed in a timely manner
• Processes federal and state funding programs, including but not limited to awarding, application download and tracking, C-Flags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work Study, Return to Title IV, private scholarships, etc. and Consortium Agreements.
• Conducts verification file review, performs professional judgement review including Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals, and updates award packaging as required.
• Contacts outside entities to resolve student data conflicts, included but not limited to, servicers, state and federal agencies
• Ability to understand and research issues related to various federal and state systems including but not limited to: CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, CHECS, and Surfer
• Reviews and analysis of daily exception reports to resolve issues and complete student files
• Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance, recommend changes based on workflow and productivity issues
• Participate in annual training and professional development
• Provide excellent customer service to students and parents via phone, e-mail, walk-in, and other forms of engagement regarding all financial aid matters
• Monitors/maintains application statuses within the student information system
• Access federal and state systems (COD, NSLDS, GAP Access, FSA, etc.) to verify student aid eligibility
• Works closely with GSU Student Financial Management Center, Registration and Records, Student Account and Office of Revenue, Receivable & Cashiering Services to ensure student aid eligibility is accurate and changes are recorded in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with campus partners to provide a holistic approach to service
• Performs other duties as required to maintain efficient financial aid operations.

 Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee’s direct supervisor. 

Qualifications

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Minimum Hiring Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and two years of financial aid or counseling or student personnel experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications: 

 A Master's degree may be preferred, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Previous experience in problem solving and following up until resolution is found. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and State regulations for Federal and State Financial aid programs.