Description

Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Office

Vermont Law School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community. As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at jobs@vermontlaw.edu. Vermont Law School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.

Position Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor provides administrative and staff support for the Director and Manager of Operations under minimal supervision, and performs specific responsibilities in support of the programs and operations of the Financial Aid Office. The Counselor ensures the integrity of the PowerFAIDS financial aid system by maintaining individual student electronic files, and retrieves automated financial aid applications from various government and private agencies connected with the Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) Financial Aid Office.

Essential Functions and Principal Accountabilities: 

• Coordinates and oversees all daily operations of the front desk for the Financial Aid Office which includes responding to general inquiries by phone, email, fax or in person, and directing these to appropriate person in the office. Serves as a liaison for the Financial Aid Office with applicants, enrolled students, parents, financial institutions, and other VLGS offices, providing information regarding the financial aid program.
• Counsels students in the financial aid application process. Organizes and disburses all financial aid materials required by federal agencies and the institution to apply for aid, as well as program information to students and parents. Informs students of financial aid policies and federal laws governing loan programs. Informs applicants of the mechanics associated with loans, scholarships, financial determinations, etc. Generates computer reports listing status of application and a wide range of statistical information as needed. 
• Advises students regarding expenditures that should be anticipated during the school year, the availability of funds and credits and options associated with their use, disbursement dates, due dates for charges, financial obligations associated with awards, etc. When income is inadequate to anticipate needs, informs of available loan alternatives and assists in processing loan applications.
• Responsible for electronic retrieval of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA/ISIR) and loan processing files from the Department of Education, and admissions files from ACES/Salesforce daily or weekly. Maintains systems for receiving and recording receipt of applications, needs analysis documents, federal forms, verification, income tax returns, and all supporting documentation for applicants and enrolled students.
• Sends electronic correspondence to applicants and students such as award letters, deny aid letters, revision letters, letters regarding additional information requirements, forms required for compliance with federal laws, status of applicant/student files, etc.
• Acquires relevant data for, and composes or updates published financial aid materials such as Financial Aid Application, and How To Finance Law School, orientation materials, workshop materials, etc. Readies materials for publication; coordinates distribution of finished product. Runs financial aid publications and reports.
• Answers College Work-Study Program-related questions; assists in filling out program forms and informs students of available opportunities. Initiates adjustments to financial aid for program participants. Completes onboarding and verification process in payroll system. Manages work-study payroll.
• Creates a variety of materials such as correspondence, reports, forms, financial documents; proofreads to ensure accuracy, spelling, grammar, etc. Arranges for dissemination of all materials. 
• Arranges for maintenance and repair of office equipment. Orders and maintains a stock of office supplies.
• Ensures Financial Aid websites are accurate and up-to-dates at all times.
• Assists the Financial Aid staff in other aid related duties such as Fellowships and the Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
• Serve as secondary Veterans Affairs (VA) Certifying Official.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Associate’s degree plus 1-3 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Accurate attention to detail and the ability to work independently on various projects that require initiative; ability to work with numbers and financial information.
• Knowledge of Microsoft products including, but not limited to, Outlook, Word and Excel is essential.
• Excellent organizations skills and ability to comply with federal, state, and local laws, and follow established procedures governing financial aid required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time and move between them seamlessly.
• Strong communication, oral and writing skills.
• Ability to analyze and maintain priorities and complete tasks in required time.
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of VLGS personnel and students and/or outside individuals/organizations.
• Capability to manage the office in the absence of the Director and Manager of Operations.
• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar strongly preferred.

Other Requirements: 

• Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
• Physical ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.
• Willingness and ability to follow any current or future health and safety policies or protocols laid out by the school.

Note: All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.