What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor position at University Support Services, an affiliate of St. George's University?
The Financial Aid Counselor incorporates the full range of financial aid responsibilities; including assisting graduate level students in the application process, resolving eligibility issues, packaging loans and/or scholarships and providing information on loan repayment. The counselor works on an individual basis with students to provide information in an accurate, timely, professional and courteous manner. The Financial Aid Counselor possesses a compassionate and respectful understanding of financially related issues and is sensitive to the level of stress students may experience from these issues. The Financial Aid Counselor reports to the Associate Director, Financial Aid and is assigned to work with approximately 900 active students in addition to prospective students.
Essential Functions
- Counsel students and assist students in understanding federal and/or private loan processes and limits;
- Counsel students on budgeting issues and financial obligations to the University and their lenders;
- Communicates with students and monitor the status of their application process and subsequent disbursement;
- Determine and verify eligibility for federal loans;
- Package loans and update scholarship awards;
- Educate students with debt management information and financial literacy;
- Evaluate unusual circumstance documentation or information provided by the student to determine additional eligibility;
- Attend training seminars and maintain knowledge of financial aid regulations and rules;
- Support all day-to-day operations of the financial aid office;
- Certify private loan eligibility;
- Provide administrative support along with other tasks as assigned;
- Liaison with other University departments;
- Provide students with debt management information and financial literacy;
- Counsel and adjust budget and aid for students with curriculum changes;
- Monitor and review various reports to ensure accuracy;
- Other duties as assigned by the Financial Aid leadership team
Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, counseling, and written/verbal communication skills
- Demonstrate quantitative skills
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
- Problem identification and critical thinking skills
- Detail oriented
- Committed to a high level of quality customer service
- Demonstrate experience presenting to small and large groups
- Demonstrate experience providing outstanding customer-focused advising in a fast-paced team environment
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- At least one year financial aid experience preferred.
- Proficient in Excel, and familiar with Office 365, Banner, NSLDS and COD.
Hours and Travel
- A typical work week is 37.5 hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- Flexibility and willingness to work evening hours and weekends in support of peak-time initiatives.
- Flexibility to work hours outside of normal business hours to accommodate students throughout various time zones.
- Travel as needed to execute key initiatives and deliverables at admissions events, webinars and other student facing settings.
The anticipated salary range for Financial Aid Counselor is $66,300 to $78,000. The final salary offered may vary and will be determined based on factors such as the job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and education of the successful candidate. This information is provided per NYS local law.
Salary : $66,300 - $78,000