Financial Aid Counselor

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates the financial viability of students and families.
• Advises students and families regarding all Federal, State, and University financial aid programs, including the application procedures, cost of attendance, budgeting, maintaining eligibility, and other general questions.
• Serves as the first contact for the Office of Financial Aid with greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and providing information and materials.
• Provides phone, email, and in-person assistance with financial aid matters, including but not limited to completing financial aid paperwork, submitting online FAFSAs, and answering questions.
• Exercises professional ability to make eligibility determinations and award decisions.
• Packages and awards student financial aid in accordance with instutional and governmental policies and regulations.
• Participates in outreach projects, financial aid seminars, student orientations, and workshops held on campus and at off-site locations in coordination with the offices of Admissions, Advising, Registrar, and others as needed.
• Certifies all new students upon student enrollment, accurately identifying the program of pursuit and indicating credit hours, term dates, transfer units accepted, and proper progression toward the approved program.
• Evaluates loan eligibility and certifies loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
• Conducts orientations, and entrance and exit interviews, in accordance with school, state, federal, and other agency guidelines.
• Analyzes student data for completeness and accuracy of data.
• Notifies students of discrepancies and incomplete or missing documents.
• Assists with preparing various financial aid informational materials, form letters, forms, etc. for parents, students, Financial Aid Office staff, and other institutional offices.
• Assists with monthly and yearly reconciliations between Colleague UI and COD.
• Maintains student records.
• Cancels aid and updates accounts for students who have cancelled their acceptance to Rivier.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state aid regulations as they relate to assigned duties as well as institutional goals and objectives regarding financial aid.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree, bachelor's preferred
• A minimum of two years of customer service experience.
• Priority consideration for experience within higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience of working with Colleague UI preferred
• Superior customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.