Financial Aid Counselor

Position title: Financial Aid Counselor

Reports to: Director of Financial Aid

Department: Student Financial Services

FLSA: Exempt

The Financial Aid Counselor plays a vital role in supporting students by providing guidance on financial aid options, resources, and policies. This position involves assisting prospective and current students navigating the financial aid process to empower their pursuit of a desired undergraduate or graduate degree or credential.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising Students: Meet with prospective and current students to discuss financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Provide personalized guidance based on individual financial situations and deliver clear, concise information regarding financial aid policies, deadlines, and procedures. Respond to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person consultations.
• Financial Aid Processing: Process financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Review and analyze student aid applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Counseling on Financial Literacy: Conduct workshops and individual sessions on financial literacy topics, including budgeting, debt management, and repayment options to empower students in making informed financial decisions.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interactions and financial aid awards. Assist in generating reports for internal analysis and compliance audits. Collaborate with academic program coordinators when necessary/applicable on program-specific data sharing and key performance indicators.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with evolving financial aid regulations and policies and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in the financial aid field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, education, counseling, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise and advocate for students.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in financial aid counseling or a related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and processes.
• Proficiency in financial aid software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.

This job description provides an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for a Financial Aid Counselor, aimed at attracting candidates who are committed to supporting students in their educational pursuits. It does not represent the full scope of daily work or other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.