Financial Aid Counselor - Admissions

University of Bridgeport•Bridgeport, CT

38d

About The Position

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Position Description Summary/Purpose: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling and assisting University of Bridgeport prospective, accepted and enrolled students and their parents with applying for and understanding the financial aid process.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office specifically Access, Excel and Word.
Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred
2 years' experience in customer service or related field

Nice To Haves

Experience with software platforms desired

Responsibilities

Provide advising to students and their family regarding financial aid eligibility, financial aid award packages, balance owed on the student's account, how to set up payment plans, applying for additional loans and other payment options
Communicate with students and families via phone, virtual and in-person appointments, and/or email
Maintain Imagenow documentation scanning process
Review student's account for adjustments to financial aid because of discrepancies with credit load, housing, budget etc.; research pending aid
Verify proper documentation is being submitted by students and parents in regards to federal Verification requirements and C Flag issues.
Review a variety of required verification documents, federal tax documents and other documents that may be requested by the SFS office with the student data listed on the FAFSA and making the necessary corrections on CPS
Counseling families regarding verification changes, the effects on their financial aid award and the appeals process
Promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the university community and consistent with the departments mission, attending staff meetings and training sessions as requested, communicating effectively with supervisors concerning pertinent departmental and university matters
Participates in all Open Houses, Accepted Students Day, Orientations as well as occasional evening and weekend events
Ensure all prospective students have completed files and are properly awarded
Perform related duties as necessary to support the University of Bridgeport's mission
Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.