Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description Montgomery College, Rockville Campus has an immediate need for a full-time Financial Aid Counselor within the Scholarship Office of the Financial Aid Department. The work schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday, Wednesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. This is a Non‑Bargaining, Non‑Exempt, grade 27 position. For non‑exempt positions, you are not eligible to work a secondary job at Montgomery College. Montgomery College promotes and creates a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, belonging and inclusiveness. This position is eligible for telework 1 day a week. This eligibility is subject to change based on the needs of the unit. The Financial Aid Counselor works under broad supervisory direction with some latitude for independent action. The position counsels prospective and current students and their family representatives regarding participation in scholarships and federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, including eligibility, regulations, policies and procedures through in‑person, phone and email conversations. This position evaluates applications and awards scholarships and financial aid to students, and provides leadership for a specific financial aid process and/or program(s). Work consists of planning, developing and performing activities pertaining to administrative and technical tasks related to scholarship and financial aid programs. Duties are varied with a wide range of processes and methods relating to established policies and procedures. Interpretation of the rules and regulations is required to respond appropriately to inquiries. Incumbents exercise independent judgment, comparing and evaluating courses of action and making decisions after the possibilities have been considered. A comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations is needed to warrant independent decisions. Contacts are with college faculty, staff, current and prospective students and family representatives, general public, external agencies including lending institutions and government agencies. Duties include but are not limited to: Counsel prospective and current students and their family representatives regarding participation in federal, state and institutional financial aid programs and scholarships including eligibility, regulations, policies and procedures through in‑person, phone and email conversations. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Title IV, to interpret rules and regulations as needed. Evaluate financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility. Award scholarship and financial aid to eligible students using independent judgment and discretion to make determinations. Review appeals for exceptions and make determinations in accordance with state, federal and institutional policies governing financial aid. Develop processes and procedures and update others when appropriate. Evaluate scholarship and financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility. Adjust student budgets and awards accordingly. Maintain statistical data; review and assign reports as needed. May manage a file review caseload and/or coordinate, administer or lead a federal, state, institutional or operational program or task. May facilitate and/or participate in program specific or financial aid outreach activities. May facilitate and/or participate in program specific scholarship and/or financial aid outreach activities. May be responsible for a specific college‑wide program. Responds to oral and written inquiries from students, parents, faculty and staff about MC scholarship applications. Makes referrals as necessary to other college offices and/or to outside agencies. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Five years of experience in a financial aid office. Customer service experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent attention to detail. Comprehensive knowledge of current Student Financial Aid Office policies and procedures, state and federal financial aid regulations and policies, and institutional policies governing financial aid. Comprehensive knowledge of one or more of the following program: scholarships, loans, work study or other federal or state programs. The equivalent combination of education, training, certification and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered. Preferred Qualifications: Professional experience with one or more of the following financial aid programs: loans, work study, scholarships or other federal/state aid programs. Familiarity with current financial aid office policies and procedures, including federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines. Hiring Range: $31.69 - $41.19 per hour. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimum and midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this position is $50.69. As a condition of employment, the following are required at the time of hire: 1) Successful completion of a background check and degree verification (if applicable). 2) Participation in a Maryland State Retirement System plan (Pension or Optional Retirement Plan, depending on the position). If you are already retired from the Maryland State Retirement System, you may not enroll in a Maryland State Retirement System plan at Montgomery College and may have earnings restrictions, per state law. Our benefits package includes generous paid vacation, sick, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, group legal benefits, professional development, retirement plan, educational assistance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, wellness programming including onsite gyms, pools and classes. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. We require at least two weeks advance notice to enable us to provide the requested accommodation. Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff. Montgomery College is a tobacco‑free and smoke‑free workplace. Closing Date Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr