Financial Aid Counselor

Catawba Valley Community College•Hickory, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides financial aid services to prospective and currently enrolled students. This role involves interpreting and explaining financial aid policies, processing applications, determining eligibility for various funding sources, and packaging financial aid awards. The counselor will communicate with students regarding their files, send award letters, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Additionally, the position requires coordination with other departments, representation at recruitment events, and maintaining accurate student records in college databases. The role emphasizes excellent customer service and staying updated on trends in college admissions and academic advising.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university is required.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of community college mission, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of community college student services including financial aid.
Knowledge of curriculum and continuing education program of study requirements/standards.
Knowledge of basic data analysis, statistics, mathematics, accounting, and reporting skills.
Knowledge of database fundamentals and certain computer application (spreadsheet, word processing) fundamentals.
Knowledge of intervention strategies and techniques related to student support programs and student retention efforts.
Knowledge of federal and state tax law.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of strategies and techniques for establishing accountability.
Ability to interact regularly and professionally with prospective and current students and colleagues.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to handle conflict in a professional manner.
Ability to develop and document procedures and processes.
Ability to access and/or enter information into ERP and CRM software.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to identify/analyze issues, problems, concerns, and needs.
Ability to develop, plan, and implement appropriate responses and solutions.
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Ability to effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve periodically working irregular hours.

Nice To Haves

Degrees in accounting, finance, business, student development, or a related field are preferred.
At least two years of responsible student interaction in college financial aid counseling is preferred.
Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and/or customer relationship management (CRM) software is preferred.
Previous military experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides accurate information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes to prospective and current students.
Interprets and explains the College’s financial aid policies and procedures.
Establishes rapport with students through various communication channels (face-to-face, virtual, phone, email).
Processes financial aid transcripts, checks applications for completeness, and determines eligibility for federal, state, and private funds.
Calculates and reviews financial aid awards for accuracy, including federal Pell grants and scholarships.
Communicates with students about incomplete or missing information and sends award letters and grant confirmation notifications.
Sends financial aid transcripts to various institutions as requested.
Reconciles federal Pell grant and recovery accounts and federal supplementary grant expenditures.
Issues clearances and distributes checks to students.
Monitors academic probation and academic program developments.
Coordinates the certification of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, certifies VA schedules, and ensures compliance with VA processes.
Prepares and maintains reports, records, and logs to track enrollment goals.
Represents the College at recruitment events and activities on- and off-campus.
Participates in campus tours and follow-ups.
Enters accurate student information into college databases and programs.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings and conferences to stay abreast of new trends.
Provides excellent customer service to students and employees.
Performs other duties as assigned.