Financial Aid Counselor

Key Responsibilities

• Counseling & Advising: Offer personalized financial aid guidance to prospective and current students and their families, addressing questions on federal and state aid programs, institutional awards, and the overall financial aid process.
• Aid Review & Processing: Review and assess financial aid applications, including the FAFSA, institutional forms, and other necessary documentation. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations when awarding financial aid. Identify and resolve discrepancies in submitted financial aid applications.
• Program Management: Help manage financial aid programs such as federal grants and student loans. Administer institutional scholarships and grants, ensuring eligibility and accurate disbursement. Assist in creating and updating financial aid policies and procedures.
• Communication: Design and lead financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach activities for students, families, and staff. Maintain clear communication with students regarding the status of their financial aid applications, award updates, and any additional required documentation.
• Problem Resolution & Customer Service: Address complex financial aid inquiries or issues promptly and professionally. Offer support to students facing financial challenges by providing suggestions for additional resources or alternative payment options.
• Compliance & Reporting: Stay up-to-date on federal and state financial aid regulations to ensure activities comply with relevant laws and institutional policies. Assist in preparing reports and audits related to financial aid disbursements and student eligibility.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree; Two (2) years of experience in academic, financial or customer service operations support, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of college enrollment management processes, including admissions, registration, financial aid, and student services.
• Skills & Abilities: Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, parents, and colleagues. Excellent communication skills, including active listening, professional written communication, and public speaking abilities. Proficiency with computer applications, including student information systems, financial aid management systems, customer relationship management tools, and office software (Word, Excel, etc.). Ability to perform and document financial aid calculations accurately. Experience in creating and revising financial aid award notifications. Skilled in exercising discretion, independent judgment, and adhering to established guidelines. Ability to problem-solve student aid issues and processing discrepancies effectively. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage projects, research solutions, and take initiative. Ability to collaborate effectively within a team to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Other Requirements: Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events (e.g., Accepted Student Day, FAFSA completion events) and during peak times (e.g., application deadlines).