Financial Aid Counselor

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

This position is involved in all aspects of financial aid administration, including but not limited to counseling of students, determining students’ needs, verification and packaging, and loan processing.  This position provides financial aid counseling and information to prospective and current students in a fast-paced team environment while complying with federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Counsels prospective and current students regarding financial aid eligibility, pertinent school policies and available funding.
• Uses judgment and problem-solving skills to award students.
• Follows up on incomplete or missing financial aid information and verifies information for students selected for verification.
• Reports necessary information/changes via Department of Education information systems.
• Communicates effectively and consistently with pertinent internal department members from admissions, business office and registrar etc.
• Modifies packages based on enrollment changes, additional funding etc. while communicating those changes to students.
• Represents the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops etc.
• Assists with projects as needed.
• Requires some nights and weekends and some local travel.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions: 

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Excellent communications and counseling skills (verbal and written)
• Detail oriented and ability to organize and manage multiple tasks in high pressure office during peak times of the year
• Superior customer service skills
• Knowledge of financial aid systems preferred; Colleague

Education, Training and Experience:

• Associates Degree
• 1 year of relevant experience with financial aid Title IV in a higher education environment or related experience.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Drivers license and insured vehicle

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Vision Requirements:

  X         Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

  X          Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

  X        Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

  X        Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

               left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

  X          Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

               spatial relationships)

___        No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and the employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)