Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor, under the direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid, is responsible for advising on financial aid, including awarding federal, state, local, private, and institutional aid to students. The Financial Aid Counselor must stay informed of current financial aid policies and regulations for proper awarding and disbursement of financial aid.

Position Responsibilities:

• Research and interpret student financial aid program guidelines including but not limited to those in the Federal Register, student aid handbooks, and training manuals to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and program requirements.
• Meet with students and parents concerning the financial aid process and deadlines for applying for aid according to established procedures, and assist in completing the required forms. Provide friendly and knowledgeable assistance to applicants throughout the process. Advise students and parents of requirements and processes. Give clear and concise directions about awarding to students and how the process of allocating funds to their accounts occurs.
• Assist with the processing of loan files and corrections on a timely basis with accuracy within PowerFAIDS, ELM, and Common Origination Disbursement (COD). Award loans to student accounts and adjust awards as needed. Continue to work as a team member to back up for PowerFAIDS and EDConnect processing when others are not available.
• Counsel students concerning satisfactory academic progress, withdrawals, and enrollment plans when related to all South Carolina state aid.
• Counsel students regarding their grade point average and credit requirements and the effects of any dropped, failed, or withdrawals on their South Carolina state aid eligibility.
• Reconcile state aid programs monthly. Ensure the funds received from the state match the disbursed funds in PowerFAIDS and Workday.
• Operate all financial aid software programs. Perform data entry and processing.
• Review, analyze, and package student awards according to institutional, state, and federal requirements as it pertains to all financial aid funds.
• Understand and articulate the student aid awarding process.
• Advise current and prospective students, parents, and other interested persons about financial aid programs and requirements.
• Conduct financial aid workshops and training sessions.
• Be available to travel and work a flexible schedule as needed to assist in institutional effectiveness.
• Analyze and evaluate the results of need analysis to accurately determine maximum financial need and aid eligibility for students.
• Stay abreast of conditions that affect financial aid eligibility.
• Participate in national, regional, and state conferences on student financial aid programs, practices, and related technology and communicate any information that may be needed by other Furman University departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

• Continuous contact with members of multiple work units and immediate supervisor to plan, coordinate, problem solve, exchange information, and make suggestions related to mutual goals.
• Daily contact with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public to plan, coordinate, problem-solve, present information, and make suggestions related to mutual goals.

Responsibility for Final Decisions:

• Reviews work to ensure compliance with procedures and deadlines.
• Work is performed independently on routine work, non-routine issues or questions are referred to the supervisor.

Reports to/ Supervisor:

• Reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid

Required Education, Skills, and Training:

• Bachelor's degree and experience in higher education administration.
• Friendly, engaging, and excited to help any and all members of the university community.
• Exacting attention to detail.
• Significant computer background including experience with relational databases.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills, including clear and concise writing.
• Ability to adapt and respond positively to an ever-changing workplace.

Work Conditions:

• Work is performed under usual office conditions.

Education Requirements:

Bachelors (Required)

Certification Requirements:

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):