Financial Aid Counselor

About the role

The Financial Aid Counselor will assist in all areas of financial aid counseling and processing to include Title IV programs (Direct Loans, Pell, TEACH, FSEOG & FWS), state grant and institutional programs, and all other aid as it relates to the financial aid programs.

Responsibilities

• Process federal/state aid including, importing/exporting files using the required software from the Dept. of Education, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Anthology.
• Aid in the processing and compliance of financial aid for all SMWC programs. Including knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies, rules and regulations for all functions of the financial aid process.
• Counsel students and families regarding the financial aid process and financial literacy.
• Packaging financial aid for all programs and knowledge of packaging processes including verification, loan certifications, revisions and athletic awards.
• Maintain all financial aid student records.
• Knowledge and assisting in the processing of Veterans benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, outside agency payments and study abroad.
• Knowledge and assisting in the processing of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each term and academic year.
• Work collaboratively with all campus offices to ensure compliance and support annual recruitment/retention goals.
• Attend and perform presentations at events and community outreach.
• Manage department’s general email and phone.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (working with Excel and spreadsheets are a must), Outlook and experience using Populi products are a plus.
• Strong ethical and moral character.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work in a multi-tasked, goal oriented and deadline driven environment.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and as a member of an integrated team.

Supervision

This position will supervise student workers.

Benefits

This position is expected to begin after July 1.

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in changing regulatory environments.
• Comfortable working in a team environment, with some level of autonomy and high professional accountability.
• Cannot be in default of any federal grants or loans.
• Knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Must be organized and can multitask.

Skills

• Associates or bachelor's degree in related field preferred, however 1-2 years of financial aid or work-related experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant professional office experience, financial aid or higher education experience preferred.
• It is recommended the counselor become a SCO (School Certifying Official) with the Department of Veteran's Affairs.