Job Description
Job Description
FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR
General Job Description:
The individual must be a dynamic, highly skilled financial aid professional. The successful candidate will provide guidance to students, parents and prospective students regarding financial aid and other pertinent financial counseling; help the financial aid team surpass all expectations; make recommendations on awarding policies and procedures to meet College enrollment goals and compliance and will participate in various activities promoting professional development.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Serves as primary point of contact for current and prospective students
- Counsels and advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, and indebtedness;
- Uses clear and understandable communication with students, parents, and potential students regarding financial aid counseling;
- Assists students with estimating their educational expenses to calculate their needs for the year, and preparing a financial plan;
- Oversees the packaging of federal grants, federal loans, and federal work-study;
- Conducts verification review for selected students according to federal regulations;
- Reviews and ensures student aid awards are accurate;
- Notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation;
- Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise judgment when interpreting Federal and State regulations for specific student situations;
- Assist the Director of Financial Aid in reviews and reports to ensure compliance of department with regulations;
- Knowledge of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an area with focus in finance, or counseling;
- 1-3 years financial aid experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Abilities:
- Exceptional customer service orientation;
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate sensitive and/or complex information in a confidential and straightforward manner;
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office and experienced in financial database systems
- Must possess a high level of accuracy, self-motivation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle a heavy workload;
- Familiarity with academic environment, policies and procedures;
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously;
- Demonstrated service aptitude and ability to work independently as well as with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Must be willing to work additional hours when necessary.