Financial Aid Counselor

Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor Location: Clayton State University Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 298710 Job Summary 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 requires. This position will require some nights and weekends. Responsibilities 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. Required Qualifications 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. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience. Experience with Ellucian Banner. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of Clayton State University and the University System of Georgia (USG). Clayton State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any Clayton State University program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law. #J-18808-Ljbffr