Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for working with students, parents and colleagues in a fast-paced environment. The Financial Aid Counselor is further responsible for disseminating general financial aid information to families of current and prospective students and to counsel families on financial aid procedures and options.

Responsibilities

Student Advising & Customer Service

• Provide comprehensive counseling: Advise prospective, current, and returning students and their families on the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, and various funding options (grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study).
• Assist with applications: Guide students through completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Deliver exceptional service: Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person walk-ins regarding financial aid status, disbursements, and billing questions.

Application Processing & File Review

• Perform verification: Review and verify tax returns, W-2s, and other financial documents submitted by families to ensure accuracy against FAFSA data, in strict compliance with federal regulations.
• Package financial aid awards: Determine student eligibility and assemble financial aid packages consisting of federal, state, and institutional funding.

Compliance & Administration

• Utilize financial aid software: Review, track, and update student records using our Student Information Systems (SIS) Colleague and Jenzabar, the Admissions Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Slate, alongside federal systems like COD (Common Origination and Disbursement) and NSLDS.
• Learn about regulatory compliance and specific aid programs: as part of professional development in this role, gain a working knowledge of Title IV federal student aid regulations, state grant guidelines, and institutional policies. Also learn the details of administering specific aid programs (such as federal work-study or private alternative loans).
• Expected to comply with all applicable College, Federal, State, local and associational laws, rules and regulations

Outreach & Financial Literacy

• Conduct presentations: Represent the financial aid office at campus events, including admissions open houses, new student orientations, and high school financial aid nights.
• Promote financial literacy: Participate in workshops or webinars aimed at teaching students about budgeting, responsible borrowing, and loan repayment strategies.

Participate in significant campus activities including Welcome Weekend, True Blue Weekend, and Commencement Weekend As a representative of the College, expected to comport oneself in a professional manner at all times, both on and off campus

Qualifications

Minimum requirements for this position are a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. At least one year of experience in a financial aid office or working in a higher education environment is preferred.

• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to quickly learn new processes
• Computer database comfort and familiarity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to create and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external constituents

Wage Range

- $27.00 - $29.00