Financial Aid Counselor

Central Connecticut State University invites applications to join the Financial Aid Office as a full-time Financial Aid Counselor. We seek applicants who are committed to student success, enjoy working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping students and families navigate the financial aid process while supporting access to higher education. Central Connecticut State University is the first publicly funded university in the state. As we recently celebrated 175 years of academic excellence and innovation, please visit CCSU to learn more. About CCSU’s Financial Aid Office The Financial Aid Office is committed to removing financial barriers and promoting student success by providing accurate, timely, and student-centered financial aid services. The office administers more than $100 million annually in federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, serving a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students. Staff members work collaboratively with campus partners to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations while delivering exceptional customer service through counseling, outreach, financial literacy initiatives, and enrollment support. Position Profile Provides operational support to the Financial Aid Office, with a focus on assisting with the review and processing of financial aid paperwork and providing information to a variety of individuals regarding financial aid, payment plans, and student aid eligibility. Supervision Exercised Not applicable Responsibilities Assists with counseling students, parents or guardians regarding financial aid assistance/eligibility. Assists office staff in the administration of financial aid regarding federal, state, institutional and private funds encompassing grants, loans and scholarships. Assists with awarding student financial aid to eligible applicants by verifying and reviewing applications. Completes Federal financial aid Title IV refund calculations. Conducts informational sessions regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs and awards. Assists with counseling students about financial literacy and debt management. Responds to walk-in visitors and telephone inquiries regarding financial aid programs and eligibility as needed. Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position. Applicant profiles and supplementary materials will be evaluated for appointment based on the following: Education: All applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Experience and Training: Two years of financial aid office work experience. Demonstrated ability to handle complex information, effectively organize and manage detailed work and manage multiple priorities. Demonstrated ability to communicate and share information effectively with a variety of people and groups. Demonstrated experience using financial aid ERP systems, document imaging systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above may also be considered. Ideal Candidate Preference will be given to applicants with the following: Experience working in higher education, preferably in a financial aid office. Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and state financial aid programs. Experience using Ellucian Banner, Hyland OnBase, or comparable student information and document imaging systems. Experience presenting information to students, families, or community groups. Compensation and Employee Benefits The Financial Aid Counselor is compensated at the Administrator 2 salary level in accordance with the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) Collective Bargaining Union Agreement. For more information, please visit SUOAF. The State of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University are proud to offer its employees competitive wages and a wide range of fringe benefits including voluntary and supplemental benefits. Fringe benefits include: paid personal, vacation and sick leave accruals; medical, dental, and prescription plans; group life insurance; retirement; retiree health care; tuition waiver for employee and eligible dependents at any of the Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern or Western) as well as an array of voluntary and supplemental benefits such as Deferred Retirement Contribution plans, Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Flexible spending accounts; long and short term disability insurance plans. As an affirmative action employer, Central Connecticut State University actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr