Financial Aid Counselor

Job ID: 2020 Lynn University

About the role

The Financial Aid Counselor provides and supports the vision and mission of the university and the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) by establishing and maintaining the highest level of customer service to Lynn students and parents. The counselor awards students financial aid, processes the awards, and advises students on all aspects of financial aid and their student account. They apply and maintain knowledge of all institutional, state, and federal regulations while ensuring alignment with the university's mission and goals. The role involves participation in special projects, communication, and outreach activities.

Responsibilities

• Package and process financial aid for students.
• Advise students and/or parents on financial aid packages and OFA-related processes.
• Assist Student Accounts in managing accounts receivable to decrease delinquency and encourage timely payments.
• Contact students missing information or documents to expedite financial aid processing.
• Assist in special projects as requested by OFA leadership.
• Cover for other counselors during paid time-off or unplanned absences.
• Daily Functions:
  • Perform verification and package financial aid.
  • Update the status of financial aid as needed.
  • Update loan data prior to origination.
  • Review and approve student Refund Request Forms.
  • Contact students for missing financial aid forms.
  • Reach out to students who have paid a deposit but not sent in their ISIR.
  • Counsel students and/or parents about financial aid and financing options.
  • Answer phone calls concerning financial aid and account balances.
  • Consult with Admission, Registrar, Advising, and other departments to resolve student issues.
• Weekly Functions:
  • Recalculate financial aid as needed.
  • Review assigned student population to ensure timely disbursement of aid.
  • Assist the Financial Aid Committee in reviewing appeals, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Professional Judgment (PJ), and endowed scholarship applications.
• Semester Functions:
  • Process graduated/withdrawal worksheets.
  • Assist with student check-in processes (new and continuing students).
  • Adjust loan amounts and dates when returns are required.
  • Review pre-disbursement reports and revise award amounts due to changes in credit hours.
  • Conduct financial aid informational meetings.
  • Participate in graduation send-off events.
  • Conduct New Student Financial Planning meetings via Zoom.
• Yearly Functions:
  • Assist in the yearly audit.
  • Participate in outreach communication events for specific student populations.
  • Assist in the SAP process, including canceling aid and notifying students.
• Functions as Needed:
  • Assist the OFA Leadership Team.
  • Handle Veterans Affairs (VA) certifications.
  • Attend seminars, conferences, webinars, and other training opportunities.
  • Work flexible or extra hours during peak periods.
  • Assist at the OFA front counter.
  • Support any function related to the operation of the OFA Department.
  • Ensure completion of loan entrance and exit counseling requirements.
  • Attend/present at Preview Days, Admitted Student Experience (ASE), and other on-campus activities.
  • Participate in off-campus financial aid events (e.g., FAFSA nights, parent sessions).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Three to five years of related experience.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, PowerFaids, Jenzabar, and Workday.
• Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to Title IV aid and Florida state programs.