Financial Aid Counselor

This position supports the college¿s Financial Aid Office by reviewing, evaluating, and processing financial aid applications and supporting documentation to determine student eligibility and administer financial aid awards in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines. The Financial Aid Counselor provides guidance and assistance to prospective and current students and their families regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and educational funding options while ensuring accurate processing, effective service delivery, and regulatory compliance.

Advising and Counseling

• Participates in the preparation and presentation of financial aid information at meetings, group discussions, workshops, and recruitment sessions.
• Counsels and answers questions, inquiries, or requests from students, parents, or guardians concerning financial aid programs, application procedures, financial planning, eligibility, and related matters.
• Provides individual and group counseling to students and parents regarding FAFSA completion, available financial aid options, budgeting, and debt management.
• Participates in annual trainings and professional development to remain informed of changes to financial aid programs, regulations, and procedures.

Application and Verification

• Reviews and analyzes student financial aid applications, financial data, and verification documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Evaluates student eligibility for scholarships, grants, and loan programs 
• Manages financial aid application downloads, application tracking, and related processes through federal and state systems.
• Reviews and analyzes daily exception reports to identify and resolve application discrepancies, missing documentation, and other issues necessary to complete student files.
• Researches and resolves issues involving federal and state financial aid systems, including CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, and Surfer.

Awarding and Aid Administration

• Determines student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and loans, and packages awards accordingly.
• Manages federal and state financial aid programs and processes, including CFlags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work-Study, Return to Title IV (R2T4), Pell Grant and Federal Loans. 
• Coordinates activities with the Advancement Office regarding the awarding and administration of institutional scholarships.
• Performs specialized duties related to annual departmental allocations for Campus-Based Programs
• Invoices and reconciles federal, state, and institutional scholarship and grant funds.

Compliance and Tracking

• Determines Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and notifies students regarding their financial aid eligibility.
• Monitors student loan delinquency and default status, notifies students of their status, and administers default prevention procedures.
• Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and procedures; recommends changes to improve workflow and productivity.
• Monitors financial aid records, resolves conflicting information, and tracks outstanding requirements to support regulatory compliance and accurate student records.

Other Duties

• Performs related duties.

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, education, or a related field and 1 to 2 years of direct experience in a college or university financial aid office OR and equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3+ years of direct experience in a college or university financial aid office.

• Bilingual abilities are a plus

The hiring salary is $45,911.

This position requires you to attach a resume and cover letter. 

• Strong knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies and procedures related to student financial aid

• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, Ellucian Banner Financial Aid Module, USG GA Modifications to Banner) 

• High level of accuracy, analytical skills, and discretion handling confidential student data.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;