What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor position at Spring Arbor University?
Financial Aid Counselor
SUMMARY
The Financial Aid Counselor manages daily operations of awarding students Federal, State and/or institutional aid. Our counselors analyze all aspects of financial aid, optimize technology use, and provide students and parents good financial aid advice in accordance with Federal, State and institutional regulations and policies; while maintaining excellent customer service relationships.
The Financial Aid Counselor manages daily operations of awarding students Federal, State and/or institutional aid. Our counselors analyze all aspects of financial aid, optimize technology use, and provide students and parents good financial aid advice in accordance with Federal, State and institutional regulations and policies; while maintaining excellent customer service relationships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following. Other duties may be assigned by proper personnel.
- Providing in-depth counseling of individual students pertaining to their unique circumstances by Counseling students (and parents, as appropriate) in person, on the phone or through email.
- Packaging financial aid for all programs including needs analysis in compliance with federal criteria to determine eligibility of each financial aid applicant.
- Adhering to Federal verification standards by ensuring the data reported on the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) accurately reflects the data reported on corresponding federal tax return.
- Maintains records for assigned students. Monitors enrollment status of recipients to assure compliance with State and Federal regulations
- Revising awards if needed, due to verification and changes in enrollment, notifying the Business Office, students and lenders as appropriate.
- Working with the Business Office and the Registrar’s Office regularly.
- Following up on previous borrowers default or overpayment issues.
- Resolving compliance and academic related issues with other campus departments.
- Processing of loans including processing scholarship checks and the adjustment of disbursements when necessary.
- Provides staff support for the office.
- Other tasks, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment in performing duties is necessary. Familiarity with state/federal aid programs is preferred. Must be able to prioritize, complete multiple tasks in the midst of interruptions and complete tasks by deadlines. Demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work individually as well as part of a team. Good organizational & word processing skills necessary. Experience with Excel spreadsheets, MS Word required. Ability to prioritize, complete multiple tasks & possess good interpersonal, communication and writing skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment in performing duties is necessary. Familiarity with state/federal aid programs is preferred. Must be able to prioritize, complete multiple tasks in the midst of interruptions and complete tasks by deadlines. Demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work individually as well as part of a team. Good organizational & word processing skills necessary. Experience with Excel spreadsheets, MS Word required. Ability to prioritize, complete multiple tasks & possess good interpersonal, communication and writing skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Associate degree in related field, required or relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred.
- Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply.
- Experience working in a financial aid office, 2 years preferred
