Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of routine-to-complex administrative duties which involves a highly skilled candidate with expertise in administering financial aid in complex, unique and mitigating student situations. The Financial Aid Counselor evaluates student aid application compliance, utilizes autonomous professional judgment, determines eligibility for various financial aid programs, counsels and advises students and families on the suite of available financial aid, coordinates one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs, and is responsible for data integrity and record maintenance; and performs related duties as assigned. This class works within a general outline of work to be performed and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Counsels and advises students, prospective students and their parents who are applying for financial aid.
• Determines individual aid as it relates to an applicant's eligibility for institutional scholarships, loans, and work programs.
• Verifies and assesses student eligibility for financial aid.
• Maintains compliance with state and federal regulations as it pertains to student financial assistance.
• Assists with oversight of satisfactory academic progress programs to maintain academic excellence within regulatory constraints.
• Participates in on-campus and off-campus workshops designated for training purposes for financial aid.
• Keeps detailed records and documentation on individual student applicants assigned to his/her supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or closely related field.
• One (1) year of previous experience working in financial aid or a higher education environment with interactions with faculty, staff, and students preferred.
• Must be familiar with federal, state, and institutional programs and the requirements for administering each program.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, utilizing Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams, or related software necessary to create and maintain data management systems and processes; experience utilizing Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Interviewing skills.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Self-directed, with good organizational skills
• Ability to act independently as well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning the provision of financial aid to students.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of the policies and eligibility requirements of a range of federal, state, and agency scholarship programs for tertiary students.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills and be adaptable to a changing work environment.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

EOE M/F/D/V

Qualifications