Financial Aid Counselor

Columbia College•Columbia, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of Financial Aid Counselor is to support students and families in navigating financial aid processes. The Financial Aid Counselor will continuously evaluate students’ eligibility, perform initial and adjustments to student financial aid packaging throughout the year and reconcile financial aid provided to students. This Counselor is expected to providing expert advice to ensure students have access to the resources they need while maintaining data integrity and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in financial aid administration
Familiarity with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Experience coordinating satisfactory academic progress programs.
Exceptional customer service and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of relevant experience in financial aid, higher education, or a related field.
Experience with Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS systems.
Knowledge of Department of Education software, including EDconnect, COD, FAA Access to CPS Online, and NSLDS.
Experience coordinating satisfactory academic progress programs.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive counseling to students and families about financial aid options, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Verify and assess student applications for compliance with program regulations and institutional policies.
Manage federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations, ensuring strict adherence in all processes.
Keep detailed records and documentation for assigned student cases.
Utilize professional judgment to resolve unique student situations and contribute to the optimization of financial aid processes.
Ensure data integrity within financial aid systems, utilizing tools such as Jenzabar, PowerFAIDS, and Department of Education software.
Participate in on-campus and off-campus workshops and training sessions to enhance financial aid awareness and expertise.
Work independently and as part of a team to meet office objectives and maintain excellent customer service standards.
Work with all student service areas but especially Tuition Accounts to coordinate of aid and billing throughout all stages of awarding, disbursing, refunding & financial clearance.
Assist with developing financial aid communications and financial literacy improvements to support our students completion of financial aid requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the Office of Financial Aid.