Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid counselor provides students and parents with service and guidance regarding student aid programs, educational funding options, and the financial aid application process. The position requires familiarity in working with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate is student-focused, a strong communicator, detail-oriented, a team player, and believes in the mission of the University. Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: Full-time, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Ability to work varied hours to include evenings and weekends during peak periods and admissions / campus events.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Analyzes and evaluates the financial viability of students and families. Advises students and families regarding all Federal, State, and University financial aid programs, including the application procedures, cost of attendance, budgeting, maintaining eligibility, and other general questions. · Serves as the first contact for the Office of Financial Aid with greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and providing information and materials. · Provides phone, email, and in-person assistance with financial aid matters, including but not limited to completing financial aid paperwork, submitting online FAFSAs, and answering questions. · Exercises professional ability to make eligibility determinations and award decisions. Packages and awards student financial aid in accordance with instutional and governmental policies and regulations. · Participates in outreach projects, financial aid seminars, student orientations, and workshops held on campus and at off-site locations in coordination with the offices of Admissions, Advising, Registrar, and others as needed. · Certifies all new students upon student enrollment, accurately identifying the program of pursuit and indicating credit hours, term dates, transfer units accepted, and proper progression toward the approved program · Evaluates loan eligibility and certifies loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents. · Conducts orientations, and entrance and exit interviews, in accordance with school, state, federal, and other agency guidelines. · Analyzes student data for completeness and accuracy of data. Notifies students of discrepancies and incomplete or missing documents. · Assists with preparing various financial aid informational materials, form letters, forms, etc. for parents, students, Financial Aid Office staff, and other institutional offices. · Assists with monthly and yearly reconciliations between Colleague UI and COD. · Monitors enrollment and withdrawals and adjusts awards appropriately. Completes enrollment verification for assigned populations before origination and disbursements begin for the semester. · Monitors Satisfactory Academic Progress at the conclusion of each semester and monitors midyear grade level increases. Adjusts aid accordingly. · Maintains student records. · Cancels aid and updates accounts for students who have cancelled their acceptance to Rivier. · Maintains current knowledge of federal and state aid regulations as they relate to assigned duties as well as institutional goals and objectives regarding financial aid.

Qualifications

· Associate's degree, bachelor's preferred · A minimum of two years of customer service experience. Priority consideration for experience within higher education. · Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment. · Ability to quickly learn new technologies and proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook. · Experience of working with Colleague UI preferred · Superior customer service skills. · Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Supplemental Information

Applicants should apply online with resume and cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.