Financial Aid Counselor, Scholarships

University of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor/Scholarships position requires a broad knowledge of federal and state aid programs, federal and state regulations, as well as regulations related to private educational loans. This role involves advising and counseling students, parents, and staff on all aspects of financial aid, understanding and communicating financial aid policies, and assisting with eligibility assessment and fund disbursement. A key part of this role is supporting the Centralized Scholarships Coordinator in the administration of scholarships and cash awards, serving as a liaison with various university departments, and monitoring scholarship budgets and recipient eligibility. The position also includes conducting presentations, assisting with admissions scholarship initiatives, and developing scholarship processes. Additionally, the counselor will handle inquiries, provide guidance on student loan debt management, participate in professional development and customer service activities, and assist with enrollment and recruitment events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience working within a higher education institution, demonstrating familiarity with academic processes.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Good computer skills and able to demonstrate working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, i.e. Excel, Word.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with a high level of accuracy in an environment with frequent interruptions.
Ability to handle information in a confidential and professional manner.
Ability to work independently, be goal oriented and function as part of a team.
Ability to work some late nights and weekends for university functions and off-campus financial aid workshops and college fairs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience working in financial aid or related higher education financial aid setting.
Technical experience working with Workday and EDE Express.

Responsibilities

Advises and counsels students, parents, and staff on all aspects of financial aid programs (federal, state, institutional, private).
Understands and informs students, parents, and staff of financial aid policies, procedures, practices, office services, and document completion.
Assists with student aid eligibility assessment, funds disbursement, and aid reconciliation procedures.
Assists the Centralized Scholarships Coordinator with the administration of the awarding and delivery of scholarships and cash awards including institutional, state grant programs and private programs.
Serves as liaison with the Centralized Scholarships Coordinator to the scholarship committees, bursar, college offices, Student Financial Aid Counselors, Finance and Administration, Advancement and other appropriate personnel for the administration of all scholarships including budget projections.
Assist with the reconciling and monitoring for budgets for each scholarship program.
Monitor continuing eligibility of all recipients.
Conduct presentations regarding scholarships as needed.
Assist Admissions with scholarship initiatives.
Assist in the development of process and procedure for scholarships.
Meet with auditors as requested.
Assist with the processing of FISAP Report.
Interacts in a congenial, helpful manner answering telephone calls and emails from parents, students, and the UNO community.
Provides information and guidance to help counsel students concerning student loan debt, specifically how to manage debt, repayment of loans, and the obligations associated with student debt.
Participates in activities aimed at professional development and customer service.
Actively assists with events promoting enrollment and recruitment services.
Other duties as assigned.