Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid CounselorLocated in Morrow, Georgia, Clayton State University is roughly 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. The university offers employees an adaptable, collaborative environment that fosters professional and personal development. The university is committed to having a positive impact on the State of Georgia and beyond by serving students and the community through broadening access to high-quality education and advancing workforce development. Clayton State offers multiple certificates, Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degree programs, which currently enroll over 5,500 students in challenging campus and online courses. Clayton State's main campus is situated on 214 beautiful acres in a lakeside setting just minutes from downtown Atlanta, making access to the vibrant metropolitan area swift. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has named the university a Top Workplace in Atlanta for six consecutive years. The Chronicle of Higher Education also named Clayton State one of 79 higher education institutions across the nation in its list of 2017 Great Colleges to Work For.The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling and advising students regarding their financial aid eligibility by individualizing information to meet the particular needs and situations of each student. This position collects and analyzes financial data on students to accurately determine their eligibility and make awards within federal, state, and institutional guidelines. This position will require some nights and weekends.Meet with current and prospective students and parents to help them understand their financial aid options and eligibility. Utilize Banner, Campus Logic, COD, NSLDS, CPS, and other online applications as needed to research and determine aid eligibility. Assist with virtual or walk-in visitors, answering phone calls, emails, and chats by providing information regarding federal, state, institutional, and departmental regulations covering all federal financial aid, Veterans Education Benefits, scholarship information, account information, etc. Provide excellent customer service by responding to student and parent emails and/or phone inquiries in a timely manner to provide clarification on questions and documents needed. Assist students by explaining procedures required to complete all steps in the financial aid process, including completing the FAFSA, accepting loans, and completing Entrance/Exit Counseling, signing the Master Promissory Note, requesting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals, etc. Load and process Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data from the Department of Education. Represent the department at special events, including high school college nights, orientations, and financial aid workshops. Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and university constituents. Assist with logging/imaging documents received via email and fax as needed. Assist in financial aid processing by evaluating financial aid applications, performing verification in Campus Logic, and awarding financial aid based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies. Identify the source of complex financial aid issues, determine the appropriate course of action to provide an effective solution, and ensure follow-through to resolution. Review requests for professional judgment on changes to FAFSA data elements, dependency override requests, and special circumstances. Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process. Assist with running the SAP processes in Banner after each semester. Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and university programs administered by the Financial Aid Office. Stay informed of changes to federal, state, and university rules and regulations by reading the aid literature and attending training sessions. Collaborate with other departments across the university in committees, meetings, and efforts to better serve our students as needed. Participates in public speaking engagements on campus, at college fairs, high schools, financial aid nights, community groups, and other similar forums. Coordinates, develops, and implements communication and outreach campaigns designed to raise awareness of Financial Aid programs and services offered to students. Assist in the development of the financial aid outreach program to include scheduling seminars and workshops, facilities, presenters, and promoting the events. Responsible for office social media maintenance and daily postings, including Facebook and Twitter. On a rotating basis, serve as the front desk representative, greeting walk-in students, addressing financial aid concerns, and responding to student emails. Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant/Associate or Director of Financial Aid as necessary for the effectiveness of the organization.Associate's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and one year of experience at an institution of higher education, or a combination of qualifying education and experience. Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal and written). Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills.Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience. Experience with Ellucian Banner.Ability to work and effectively communicate within an academic environment of students, faculty, and staff of varying backgrounds. Ability to multitask effectively and process large volumes of work accurately. Ability to counsel and handle difficult situations with confidentiality, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner, with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and collaborate professionally. Knowledge of Title IV, state and federal regulations, state scholarship regulations, and Satisfactory Academic Progress procedures