Financial Aid Counselor

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Counseling & Special Programs, the Financial Aid Counselor provides to students, prospective students and parents information and advice on federal, state and institutional student financial aid programs, as well as alternative sources and methods of financing educational costs. Responsibilities Provides information and advice on institutional, state and federal student financial aid programs, as well as information on alternative sources and methods of financing educational costs, to students, prospective students and parents via telephone, email and in-person meetings. Completes weekly reports, makes and revises financial aid awards, and resolves issues for a student caseload. Represents the Office of Financial Aid at campus events and New/Transfer Student Orientation sessions. Monitors federal and state rules, regulations and procedures for loans in order to accurately certify federal PLUS and private educational loans. Resolves loan errors as needed. Processes Federal Work-Study, Voc Rehab FA certifications, SC Commission For Blind certifications, and a portion of the SC Teacher Loan certifications. Serves as liaison with other departments for Federal Work-Study questions and concerns. Reconciles Federal Work-Study each pay period. Qualifications Two years of experience in student financial aid. Relevant work experience on a college campus or experience in counseling, accounting or loan origination/management. Proficiency with MS Office and Banner software. Working knowledge of the federal, state and institutional guidelines for administering financial aid programs or the ability to learn and apply. Ability to be sensitive to the concerns of economically disadvantaged students and parents. Ability to defuse difficult situations/conversations. Ability to work independently. Ability to administer complex procedures and regulations and research and resolve complex issues. Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the general public. Exceptional organizational, customer service, analytical, and oral and written communication skills. Must be detailed-oriented and able to work with accuracy. #J-18808-Ljbffr