Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor advises students and parents on all matters pertaining to the financial aid program and assists with the administration of financial aid awarding.

• Counsels assigned students and their parents on financial aid matters, including application for federal, state, and institutional aid; application for scholarships, and application for loans.
• Evaluates students’ financial aid documents for completeness and accuracy, ensuring that federal, state, and institutional eligibility and application requirements are met.
• Determines financial aid awards, including federal, state, and institutional financial aid awards in compliance with federal, state, and institutional policy, regulation, and law.
• Performs regular review of incomplete files and corresponds with students and families regarding the forms and information required to complete the students file.
• Corresponds with students and families regarding the financial aid Award Letter, award acceptance, renewal requirements, and application completion
• Coordinates closely with the Business Office regarding student aid, student balances, and payment issues.
• Performs evaluation of student eligibility in accordance with financial aid renewal requirements, and works in conjunction with the Registrar’s Office to review eligibility issues pertaining to grades and hours.
• Participates in College events to provide information on financial aid matters to the local community including students, prospective students, parents, high school personnel, and other organizations
• Organizes documents and maintains student financial aid records via both physical file and via enterprise software.
• Perform duties \ tasks as prescribed by the Director and Associate Director of Financial Aid

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required (An acceptable equivalent is an AA degree plus a minimum of 2 years of professional office experience.)

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Effective and professional communication skills both verbally and in writing
• Possess patience and empathy for students and parents by remaining congenial and respectful under stressful conditions while treating others with dignity and respect
• Student-focused and collaborative, a cooperative attitude
• Responsive an accessible by responding promptly with appropriate follow through
• Analytical skills for the review of documents and student files
• Computer skills and experience in data entry
• Proficiency in mathematics
• Organizational skills and accurate record keeping/data entry
• Ability to multi-task and work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Prior financial aid experience