Financial Aid Counselor

BridgeValley CTC invites applications for the position of Financial Aid Counselor, beginning as soon as possible. This is a full-time, grant-funded, overtime-exempt, benefits-eligible appointment.

The Financial Aid Counselor provides financial aid counseling and processing support for prospective and current students, helping them navigate financial aid eligibility, applications, and funding options. A key focus of this role is assisting students in the ASCEND program, ensuring they receive tuition and fee assistance, course material funding, and needs-related payments. By removing financial barriers, this position directly supports student retention and completion.

In addition to working with ASCEND students, the Financial Aid Counselor will assist with general financial aid processing and student support, particularly during peak times such as open registration, new student orientation, and FAFSA workshops.

The actual offer will be commensurate with experience.

• Advise and assist students with financial aid applications, FAFSA completion, and eligibility requirements.
• Process financial aid paperwork, including verifications, SAP appeals, special circumstances, and award adjustments.
• Support student retention by ensuring ASCEND participants receive timely and accurate financial assistance, reducing financial obstacles that impact persistence.
• Collaborate with the Director of ASCEND and Support Programs to manage tuition and fee assistance, course material vouchers, and needs-related payments.
• Maintain accurate financial aid records and update student accounts as needed.
• Conduct financial aid workshops and participate in student outreach efforts, including new student orientation and open registration events.
• Serve as a front-line resource for students with financial aid concerns, ensuring they understand available options and timelines.
• Stay current on financial aid policies and regulations, particularly those affecting grant-funded student populations.
• Participate in training, professional development, and retention initiatives as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered).
• Experience with computerized financial aid management systems (preferably BANNER).
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills to assess financial aid eligibility and funding allocations.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial aid regulations at institutional, state, and federal levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively counsel students and explain financial aid policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience providing customer service in a high-demand setting.
• At least one year of experience in higher education, preferably in Financial Aid, Student Affairs, or Academic Affairs.
• Familiarity with state and federal financial aid processes and grant-funded student support programs.

• BridgeValley will not accept incomplete applications. Please fill out the application completely, even though the resume may include the same information.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory results on background check.
• Copies of transcripts may be sent but originals must be available prior to hire.
• This posting does not reflect the entire job description and may be changed and/or modified, at any time, without notice.
• We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor candidates requiring a visa.

BridgeValley Community and Technical College promotes student success, prepares a skilled workforce, and builds tomorrow's leaders by providing access to quality education.

BridgeValley Community & Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, color, ancestry, or national origin in admission, employment, educational programs or activities; nor does it discriminate on the basis of genetic information in employment or employee health benefits.

Please contact the Human Resources office at 304-205-6606  if you need assistance or reasonable accommodation in the hiring process.

Salary : $39,087 - $44,983