Financial Aid Counselor

Albright College • Reading, PA

30d

About The Position

Albright College seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to join our Office of Financial Aid team. This position plays a crucial role in helping students and families navigate the financial aid process, ensuring access to higher education through comprehensive financial assistance counseling and support. This position is a key customer service representative for the Office of Financial Aid.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 1+ years of experience in higher education, a customer service role, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
• Intermediate to advanced experience in basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to interact with the Department of Education systems, including but not limited to COD, NSLDS, FSA Partners and EdConnect.

Nice To Haves

• 1+ year(s) of experience in financial aid, student services or related field.
• Understanding of Title IV regulations.
• Understanding of state grant (PHEAA/AES) aid policies
• Experience with financial aid management systems, PowerFAIDs

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and processes financial aid applications to determine eligibility and awards, in accordance with federal, state, donor, and institutional guidelines.
• Requests additional information as needed based on analysis and review
• Performs verification to resolve discrepancies in awards and FAFSA.
• Notifies students of any changes in their aid eligibility.
• Utilizes information systems to input data, maintain databases, conduct research, and generates reports utilizing student data.
• Selects and notifies recipients for specific programs in a timely manner.
• Provide individualized financial counseling to students and families on aid eligibility, loan options, and repayment.
• Deliver group presentations and support admissions events.
• Administer and counsel students on private loans, VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon, and Tuition Assistance (TA) programs.
• Resolves financial aid issues and questions received via email, texts, and phone calls.
• Manage state grant and special program rosters through AES, including updates to enrollment, cost of attendance, and grant returns to ensure compliance with PHEAA regulations. Submit rosters and update student records to meet deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Manage reciprocating state grants
• Conduct one-on-one and group financial literacy sessions.
• Assist in the implementation of the university's financial wellness programming.
• Collaborate with campus partners (Academic Advising, Athletics, Student Accounts, Registrar) to enhance student support and compliance.
• Assist in training of new staff and work-study students.
• Participate in professional development, trainings, and conferences.
• Support campus-wide compliance efforts.
• Participate in some weekend events in support of prospective student enrollment and financial aid counseling.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Office of Financial Aid and College.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition remission for employee and eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance support
• Leadership development programs
• Collaborative work environment with opportunities for advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees