Financial Aid Counselor 2

Job Summary

This position determines eligibility for and manages the awarding of student financial aid from federal, state, institutional and other sources. The responsibilities include assisting students and families with the completion of the FAFSA, counseling and advising students and parents on the financial aid programs, reviewing documentation and maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with requisite federal and state laws as well as federal, state, system, and university regulations. Ultimately, this position works to enroll and retain students who may not otherwise be able to attend or graduate without financial assistance.

Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

COUNSELING: Provide comprehensive counseling to students and their families regarding financial aid eligibility, available aid programs, disbursement procedures, and requirements for aid renewal. Educate students on how changes in enrollment status may affect their aid eligibility, including the implications of withdrawal and failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. Advise on alternative funding options such as payment plans to assist with meeting institutional deadlines and financial obligations.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Deliver high-quality customer service by assisting students and families with FAFSA submissions, documentation requirements, and navigating the federal verification process. Proactively identify and support students facing challenges that may impact their academic and financial standing. Communicate with students to resolve outstanding aid issues and provide outreach related to incomplete applications. Liaise with external agencies for fund disbursement and collaborate with internal departments, including Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Accounts to ensure financial aid alignment with enrollment and billing activities.

RECORD MAINTENANCE: Review, reconcile, and verify financial aid data submitted via the FAFSA and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Investigate rejected FAFSAs and employ analytical skills to determine appropriate resolutions. Assess cases for special or unusual circumstances that may justify professional judgment or dependency overrides. Make and report corrections to the Department of Education and ensure all documentation is complete and audit-ready.

AWARDING AND ADJUSTMENTS: Maintain compliance with complex federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid programs. Interpret and apply policy updates while assisting with the awarding and adjustment of financial aid packages, including state scholarships and grant programs. Use accounting and reconciliation skills to ensure accuracy in fund disbursement, perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, and resolve fiscal discrepancies. Support technical processes such as system file loads and data integrity tasks as needed.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with regulatory and institutional changes. Support the implementation of new departmental initiatives and contribute to process improvement projects. Provide training and mentorship to other staff as needed and perform additional duties as assigned.

OTHER: Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of progressive experience in financial aid, customer or financial services, or relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Department of Education software (i.e. FAA Access, National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS), COD, Return to Title IV, etc.) and Ellucian Banner and CampusLogic.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

AKNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn and adapt to financial aid systems such as Ellucian Banner SIS, CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other related databases or interfaces.  
Understanding and adherence to federal and state statutes regarding eligibility and the distribution of student financial aid, as well as the ability to apply these regulations consistently.  
Knowledge of and strict adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws to protect student confidentiality.  

SKILLS
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively in-person, through writing, and over the phone.  
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries, and guiding students and families through the financial aid process.

ABILITIES
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.  
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive student financial data.
Task Prioritization and Attention to Detail: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to assess issues, make decisions independently, and address problems efficiently.