Financial Aid Counselor

A Student Financial Aid Counselor (or Advisor) assists students and their families in navigating the often-complex process of obtaining financial aid for higher education. The Counselor is responsible for assessing financial need and awarding financial aid in compliance with Title IV, State, and Institutional regulations to ensure students receive the financial support necessary to achieve their educational goals.

WHAT MAKES THE Financial Aid Department A GREAT PLACE?

• 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

The General Counselor’s duties are as follows: 

• Provide Counseling and Advice:
  Meet with students and families to explain the financial aid process, available funding options (grants, loans, scholarships, work-study), eligibility requirements, and the financial impact of various aid packages.
•  Awarding and Verification Support:
  Resolve awarding issues and assist with the verification, correction, and recalculation of student files in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.
• Student Communication:
  Respond to student inquiries and concerns through Salesforce ticketing system.
•  Appeal Reviews:
  Review and make written determinations on first- and second-level Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal applications.
• Reporting and Data Review:
  Review and resolve issues identified in ad-hoc reports generated by management.

• Award Monitoring and Adjustment:
  Monitor student accounts, review awards for accuracy, and make adjustments based on changes in student eligibility, enrollment, or regulatory requirements.

• Policy Compliance and Process Improvement:
  Stay up to date on financial aid policies and procedures. Collaborate within functional teams to continuously improve office processes and student service.

 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 one year of financial aid or counseling or student personnel experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently or collaboratively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and compliance with FERPA regulations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently or collaboratively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and compliance with FERPA regulations