Student Financial Services Counselor

Student Financial Services CounselorThe Student Financial Services Counselor serves as a vital resource for prospective and continuing students and their families by providing comprehensive, accurate, and student-centered support related to financial aid, billing, and tuition collection. This position is responsible for packaging aid, advising on eligibility and special circumstances, answering financial and billing questions, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies. The Counselor partners with departments across the university to support enrollment, retention, and student success through clear, supportive financial services.Responsibilities include:Advise students and families on financial aid options, including Federal Title IV programs (Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study, and Alternative Loans), state aid, scholarships, grants, and institutional policies.Provide individualized counseling on application procedures, award packaging, academic progress, and loan management.Conduct one-on-one appointments with students and families related to current and future aid, study abroad funding, and tuition questions.Offer counseling on institutional loans, gap conversions, emergency loan approvals, and repayment plans.Assist students with billing questions and financial topics, including payment plans, late fees, Touchnet, 1098-Ts, and refunds.Package financial aid for all prospective and current students in accordance with institutional guidelines and Department of Education eligibility criteria.Review and send award notifications and coordinate any necessary follow-up communications.Collect, verify, and analyze financial aid documentation and perform need analysis, verification, and corrections through the Department of Education systems.Support the collection of student tuition and related account balances.Utilize institutional platforms such as Banner, Slate, Touchnet, and Creighton Connect for processing, documentation, and communication.Work closely with the Office of Student Success, Undergraduate Admissions, and Graduate/Professional Recruitment to ensure smooth coordination of aid billing support and special circumstance reviews for new and continuing students.Ensure institutional compliance with all Department of Education Title IV regulations.Qualifications:Education: A Bachelor's degree is required, Master's preferred.Experience: minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working in the student financial services functional area in a college or university setting.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid eligibility requirements and programs.Knowledge of student account processes, delinquent account management, emergency loan processes, and remissions.Knowledge of computer operating systems and excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability to work under deadlines, and ability to work independently with little direction.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; and effectively present information to top management, public groups, and other groups, as required.Problem-solving skills and the ability to lead, instruct, handle a large variety of details and to work with all levels of organization.Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with students, college employees, and the public.Proficient in the use of computer operating systems and software including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation tools, and internet-based systems for accessing data, maintaining records, generating reports, and communicating with others.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential data with discretion and integrity.