Student Financial Services Counselor

Job Overview:

The Student Financial Services Counselor is an on-campus position that will evaluate financial needs of students and award financial aid according to government and institutional regulations and guidelines. This position will provide financial aid information and advice to students and families through e-mail, phone, and personal contact.

• Inform and advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money and management and financial planning; individualizes information to the particular needs and situation of the student
• Collect and/or analyze financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, donor and/or institutional guidelines.
• Evaluate unusual/mitigating circumstance documentation or information provided by the student; exercise judgment by making adjustment or revisions to costs, contribution, need or dependency status as exceptions to the prescribed process.
• Answer questions, inquiries or requests from students, parents, or guardians in person or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Prepare for and present information regarding federal financial aid, scholarships, employment and grants for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, workshops and recruitment sessions.
• Analyze various reports such as grades and enrollment status or award status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines; notify students (through email and/or financial aid portal such as PowerFAIDS of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation.
• Interact with students and lenders, employers, donors, guarantee agencies and/or staff to resolve issues.
• Process Federal Tax Verifications as mandated by federal law. Review the students and or parents federal income taxes for correctness and compare information on taxes to information filed on the FAFSA. Report any discrepancies and make appropriate aid adjustments.
• Keep Associate Director of Financial Aid and Director of Student Financial Services informed of issues and concerns raised by inquiries; identifies and recommends changes in processes to better expedite financial aid process (both general and student specific)
• Act as a certifying official for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Manage the certifications of veteran’s enrollment and track the return of tuition payments to the university.
• Coordinate with the Admissions Office, Registrar’s Office and Faculty to ensure all federal and state requirements are in compliance

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or a related field.

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in financial aid, student counseling or related experience.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Work-Related Knowledge:

• Knowledge of general regulations governing the administration of federal, state, and college financial aid programs, including grant and loan programs preferred.
• Ability to keep current on changes in regulations, policies, and procedures.

(Equivalent combinations of education, licenses, certifications and/or experience may be considered.)