What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor position at Berry College?
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Financial Aid Counselor serves as a key member of the Financial Aid Office team, which includes a LifeWorks student team, two assistant directors, and a director. This role involves providing financial aid counseling to current and prospective students and their families. Additionally, the Financial Aid Counselor administers financial aid and processes critical information by certifying and awarding various programs. They also perform other administrative duties as assigned.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Guide a team of 3 to 4 LifeWorks students in daily customer service operations, including managing phone calls and email inquiries.
- Provide counseling to students and parents on financial aid matters, promoting financial solutions based on the student's eligibility to help minimize student debt.
- Engage in continued professional development by attending regular virtual and in-person training, sometimes involving regional travel.
- Certify and award financial aid programs, acting as the point person for programs such as Veterans Affairs benefits, outside scholarships, and Federal grants such as Noyce, or TRIO Grant Aid.
- Process sensitive data as part of routine operations.
- Collaborate with others across Enrollment Management, including the Admission Office, Student Financial Services, and Registrar.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Exceptional organizational, communication, multitasking, and time-management skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications is required. Experience with PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar is highly desired.
- The successful candidate will receive periodical training concerning the management and delivery of federal, state, and institutional programs. This person should be comfortable with change and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where collaboration and teamwork are essential.
REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree and three years of experience in areas such as student/customer services, counseling, financial aid, finance, accounting, or business management.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE
Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry's educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. Our mission and values are grounded in the ethic that our founder instilled more than a century ago: "We educate the head, heart, and hands - to inspire leaders of integrity who cultivate thriving communities." Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business and teacher education. The College's stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry's ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds.
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. An Equal Opportunity Institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interviews or workplace accommodations are welcomed and can reach out to us at employment@berry.edu, or (706) 233-4062.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing the applicant's interest in this position, a resume outlining their work experiences, and the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.