Financial Aid Counselor

Grambling State University•Grambling, LA

13d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor assists students and families in understanding and navigating the financial aid process. The role provides counseling about federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs; reviews student eligibility; helps complete and resolve financial aid requirements; and supports accurate, timely processing of financial aid. The counselor provides customer service while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. The counselor reviews and processes FAFSA information and eligibility documentation, determines eligibility, assists with awarding and reconciling aid, monitors applicable aid programs, and works with students and university departments to resolve issues. The role also participates in presentations, orientations, workshops, recruitment events, and outreach activities, and stays current on financial aid regulations and institutional policies. Other duties may be assigned by the Director or Interim Director of Financial Aid.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and customer service skills.
Ability to interpret policies and regulations, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively with a diverse student population.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in financial aid, higher education, student services, enrollment management, or a related field.
Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV programs.
Experience with Banner, NSLDS, COD, FAFSA processing, and other financial aid systems.

Responsibilities

Review and process FAFSA information, verification requirements, professional judgment requests, conflicting information, C Flags, and other eligibility documentation.
Determine student eligibility and assist with awarding, adjustment, and reconciliation of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid.
Process and monitor Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, grants, and other applicable programs.
Review student records for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Assist students with resolving financial aid holds, missing requirements, and other issues that may prevent awarding or disbursement.
Use Banner and federal financial aid systems to review, update, and process student financial aid information.
Communicate with students through in-person counseling, telephone, email, and other approved methods.
Participate in financial aid presentations, orientations, workshops, recruitment events, and outreach activities.
Remain current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Affairs, and other university departments to resolve student issues.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Interim Director of Financial Aid.