Financial Aid Counselor

University of San Francisco

13d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor works under the supervision of the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations to counsel and advise students and parents about financial aid programs and processes, and to assist with administration of federal, state, and institutional aid. The role includes reviewing student need, verifying federal financial aid application data, packaging aid, certifying federal loan eligibility, making professional judgment decisions regarding eligibility, and resolving questions while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The counselor also coordinates with university departments and outside organizations on scholarship eligibility and administration. The position manages private scholarship programs and coordinates undergraduate and, as applicable, graduate scholarship awards. It supports scholarship application materials and communications, maintains the scholarship website, and coordinates internal scholarship awarding and disbursement with university departments and schools. The counselor participates in outreach activities, including planning and presenting workshops and seminars, which may occur outside traditional office hours or out of town. Other duties and projects may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
Two years of experience working in financial aid or higher education is preferred.
Working knowledge of Title IV regulations.
Strong written and verbal command of English.
Public presentation skills and willingness to use them.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to advise students.
Detail- and goal-oriented, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, document and email applications, and database management, including automated financial aid systems.
Ability to think creatively and strategically.
Ability to spend extended periods conducting business by telephone and/or using a computer keyboard while viewing a computer screen.
Must be able to obtain and retain user access to the National Student Loan Data System; may not be in default on student loans or owe repayment of federal or state grants.
Understanding of and commitment to USF’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Ellucian Banner system is preferred.

Responsibilities

Counsel students and parents on financial aid processes, programs, financial management, and budgeting, and refer them to other student services offices when needed.
Communicate financial aid applications, programs, and regulatory requirements to students, parents, and other constituents.
Maintain knowledge of federal and state regulations, university policies, scholarship criteria, and related procedures to support accurate processing and documentation.
Manage private scholarship programs and maintain liaison relationships with students and scholarship organizations.
Create, publicize, and collect scholarship application materials when applicable, and maintain the scholarship website.
Coordinate the awarding of undergraduate scholarships and graduate scholarships as applicable.
Coordinate internal awarding and disbursement of undergraduate scholarships and other institutionally funded programs with university departments and schools.
Verify federal financial aid application data, make applicable FAFSA and aid-package corrections, and document discrepancies and their resolution.
Research U.S. Department of Education directives and Internal Revenue Service publications to resolve student files appropriately.
Assist with creating and updating forms used to collect required information.
Review and update student communication plans in Campus Logic and other external communications.
Collaborate with and train alongside the Counseling area to support verification and improve the student experience while complying with federal regulations.
Work with the Associate Director of Operations to oversee development and maintenance of relevant Policies and Procedures Manual sections concerning outside scholarship awarding.
Participate in outreach events, including planning and presenting financial aid workshops and seminars, potentially outside traditional office hours or out of town.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.