Financial Aid Counselor

Position Description

• Essential Job FunctionsCustomer Service
• Meet with students and families on both specific and general financial aid issues.
• Respond to emails and phone inquiries to answer questions and/or resolve student issues. 
• Attend and present at campus events such as: Accepted Student Day, Open House, and Welcome Weekend.
• Processing
• Determines student eligibility for financial aid. Processes documents related to the evaluation of aid eligibility. Reviews special circumstances appeals. 
• Award and distribute financial aid award packages.
• Administer the Federal Work-Study program.
• Administer the Verification process.
• Maintain and update all office publications in compliance with Federal Regulations and Consumer Information.
• Assist with the development of a robust Financial Literacy program
• Supervise Student Employee
• Financial Aid Systems
• Maintain knowledge of both PowerFaids and Jenzabar student information systems.
• Assist with yearly setup, reporting and testing
• Process incoming FAFSA results (ISIRs) and requests all proper documentation from students/parents selected for verification. Update student record in the student information system when necessary.
• Other Duties and ResponsibilitiesParticipates in campus activities including: Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, and other events as needed. 
• Serve on campus and financial aid related committees.
• Participates and shares in responsibility for interpreting and implementing Federal Methodology, verification requirements, federal and state regulations through reading of FSA handbook, verification guide, and other sources.
• Assist with the administration of Federal and state grants and Direct Loan program. Maintains transfer monitoring for NSLDS.
• Other duties as assigned

• Education & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a closely-related field and demonstrated successful experience in financial aid administration including Title IV aid programs or the equivalent. 
• Knowledge & Abilities:Knowledge of federal, local, and state programs that provide assistance to students.
• Possession of effective oral and written communications skills along with the ability to work with students of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge in management of financial aid need analysis, packaging and required revisions.
• Ability to interpret regulations.
• Solid counseling skills.
• Ability to perform under the pressures of deadlines and other administrative demands and work cooperatively with others. 
• Language SkillsAbility to communicate in both written and oral form. 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as tax returns, procedure manuals, and regulatory compliance documents. 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to speak effectively before others.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form.
• Mathematical SkillsAbility to pay strong attention to financial data detail. Ability to review student charges, financial aid, and calculate amount due.
• Reasoning AbilityAbility to apply commonsense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions. 
• Ability to problem solve complex issues, using federal, state, institutional regulations as guiding principles. 
• Keen ability to review data. 
• Ability to use technology to streamline processes.
• Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job the employee is largely sedentary, the ability to move is required. The employee is occasionally required to traverse within their work area as well as other areas on campus.
• Work EnvironmentThis job operates in a professional office environment. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Some evening and weekend work may be necessary to participate in campus-based programs such as Open House, Accepted Student Day, and/or Welcome Weekend.