Financial Aid Counselor

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

22h • $40,000

About The Position

Assists in the administration of multi-faceted federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs primarily through the determination of financial need and aid while simultaneously counseling parents and students culturally/respectfully on aid programs consisting of scholarships, grants, loans, 3rd party assistance, and work study opportunities via a variety of mediums. Adheres to FERPA, state, institutional, and federal regulations while monitoring individual student eligibility for aid awarded under specific programs and regulations. Verifies the accuracy of information submitted by students on the FAFSA, certifies the eligibility and processing of funds for federal, state, and private loans, provides in identifying sources of financial assistance for which a student may qualify to aid in recruitment, retention and completion. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3–5 years of relevant work experience
• Strong analytical skills with in-depth knowledge of information systems
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and internet applications
• Prior financial aid experience required, including performing financial aid verification
• Detailed knowledge of federal, state, and university financial aid regulations and policies
• Experience working with automated financial aid systems
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively counsel students, parents, staff, and the university community
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative tasks in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Proven ability to contribute to and promote a team environment
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during peak periods

Responsibilities

• Processing – Assist in processing aid for financial aid applicants through the University's and Department of Education's electronic processing systems, including processing applications and corrections, adjusting students Cost of attendance, assigning checklists, coding documents, completing verification, initiating letters and award notifications, and awarding funds. In addition to assisting with quality control checks for all Federal, State, and Institutional programs; reports and fixing discrepancies that may arise with a student’s financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships, return of funds, verification, etc.) within the student systems and notifying the Operations Team of any major issues. Assist with quality assurance reports verifying systematic processing in accordance with Financial Aid eligibility and packaging
• Review and verify documentation submitted by student and parent to resolve verification requirements and C Flag issues and determine institutional, state, and federal aid eligibility. Performs necessary adjustments to student aid packages to align with federal, state, institutional, and external student aid guidelines and university policy
• Review and assist with assigned reports i.e., to determine Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA) or award adjustments are needed, COA changes, enrollment changes, over awards, etc. Processing of Federal Direct/PLUS loan programs and private loan programs with an approximate annual volume of $100 million for students and families. Executes strategic communications plans in place for all Client Services processes. Certify PLUS, Graduate PLUS and private education loans, resolving issues between the university’s system and the Dept. of Educations
• Advising – Counsel students and parents with a strong focus on quality service regarding financial aid eligibility i.e. Federal, State, Institutional, External, and other assistance programs available, and their rights and responsibilities associated with those programs. Provide timely, accurate, professional, and comprehensive financial aid counseling and advisement to all current and prospective students and families by video, phone, in person, and email with the goal of delivering exceptional customer service. Provide advising to students and their family regarding financial aid process, cost, financial aid eligibility (i.e. Federal, State, Institutional, External, and other assistance programs); balance owed on the student's account, guide them where to set up payment plans, applying for additional loans and other payment options. Counsel on the determination of a student’s eligibility for financial assistance in compliance with federal, multiple states and institutional guidelines and award Financial Aid assistance accordingly. Counsel students and their families regarding state, federal, university, and private funding options, i.e. 3rd party assistance, scholarships, military/VA assistance, employee waivers, etc. Counsel families regarding verification changes, the effects on their financial aid award and the appeals process. Counsel students on the consequences of withdrawing, non-participation of courses, etc. and the Return of Title IV policies and procedures Assist and support students to obtain and retain financial aid eligibility for all types of aid. Monitor and advise financial aid recipients to assist in all enrollments, retention, and completion efforts. Advising financial aid recipients on satisfactory academic progress. Serving as a resource for information related to Bright Futures, Scholarships, and financial aid. Maintain working knowledge of all federal, state, institutional regulations and related office policies and procedures. Utilize conflict resolution skills set to pacify disgruntled students and parents, helping them to understand the situation and identify potential solutions to issues. Maintain knowledge of university services that specifically support student success. Assist University Staff with student financial assistance when requested.
• Professional Judgment/Special and Unusual Circumstances – Use professional judgment to perform review of all special and unusual circumstances appeals for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate and graduate students: determining additional COA allowances on individual circumstances: Evaluate student aid appeals including, Satisfactory Academic Progress, special and unusual circumstance, and dependency override to determine eligibility for a professional judgement review. Collecting the appropriate documentation as required by institution, federal, or state if applicable. Re-determine financial need for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate and graduate students considering new or changed information not on the original applications. Revise offers of financial aid based on professional judgement utilizing institutional policy and guidance set from the U.S. Department of Education Review of student's account for adjustments to financial aid because of discrepancies with credit load, housing, budget etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding!
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees