Financial Aid Counselor - Financial Aid and Service Counseling

Arizona State University • Tempe, AZ

10d • $42,000 - $42,000 • Onsite

About The Position

In a high-volume environment, the Financial Aid Counselor provides personalized counseling to students and their families on financial aid eligibility, processes, and award programs. This role also supports student recruitment and retention by delivering presentations, participating in outreach events, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Requirements

• Knowledge of government, donor and/or institutional rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures for awarding of financial aid.
• Understand how the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation works and how the SAI impacts the awarding of Title IV funds.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, awarding eligibility requirements and supporting regulations.
• Knowledge of and skill in automated processing.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) requirements.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of the principles of exemplary customer service demonstrated through actively listening, acknowledging, and responding to every inquiry; taking ownership and resolving each concern or problem as appropriate; exhibiting professionalism and expertise in every interaction and engaging in professional development to meet expectations for service excellence.
• Ability to stimulate changes in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to create a more sustainable environment.
• Ability to lead by example in communicating, participating and encouraging support of the institution’s sustainability programs.
• Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and regulations, as well as government, donor, and institutional rules for awarding financial aid.
• Proficiency in automated processing systems and general computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and a bility to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Knowledge of FERPA and a commitment to customer service excellence demonstrated by active listening, ownership of inquiries, professionalism, and expertise in all interactions.
• Ability to support sustainability efforts by encouraging sustainable practices at individual and institutional levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and families via in-person, phone, and email interactions, addressing eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, debt management, and financial planning.
• Customize advice based on each student's needs and circumstances, including professional judgment for unusual/mitigating circumstances by making necessary adjustments or revisions to costs, contributions, or dependency status.
• Proactively reach out to students to support retention and answer questions from students, parents, and guardians regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Prepare and present financial aid information for federal aid, scholarships, employment, and grants to various campus groups, high school students, and parents at events, workshops, and recruitment sessions.
• Participate in recruitment and retention activities such as orientations and information sessions to advise prospective students and their families.
• Process financial aid files and related documentation with a high level of accuracy and efficiency to meet established production expectations. This includes reviewing and verifying Title IV and institutional aid, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Counselors will work to complete files promptly to facilitate timely disbursement of aid, allowing students to access their funds when needed
• Collaborate with students, lenders, employers, donors, guarantee agencies, and other staff to resolve any issues related to financial aid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree