Financial Aid Counselor

Jacksonville University•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid Services, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling students regarding aid availability, how funds are administered, the financial aid application process, programs available, and problem resolution. The Financial Aid Counselor is expected to oversee the administration of at least one institutional, federal, or state program/process. Program/process administration includes monitoring individual student eligibility, submitting required reports within established formats and deadlines, performing reconciliations in preparation for annual audits, and training themselves on program regulations in concert with provided training from senior staff.

Requirements

Technical knowledge necessary to facilitate financial aid processes
Knowledge of financial aid best practices
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
Student-focused and strong commitment to superior customer service
Proficiency in computers and software including Microsoft Office suite
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Two or more years in financial assistance demonstrating initiative and professionalism
A working knowledge of federal financial aid regulations is required
An understanding of financial aid leveraging, extensive use and knowledge of technology, and attention to detail are essential
Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone

Nice To Haves

Experience within a private, liberal arts university is preferred
Knowledge of Florida State Scholarship programs preferred

Responsibilities

Counsel students and parents throughout the recruitment, application, and enrollment process to include verification, PJ, loan origination, etc. for assigned group
Exhibit and model exemplary customer service skills, emails, texts, phone calls, in person visits
Apply technological skills to use financial aid systems including Colleague, Etrieve document imaging, SoftDocs, COD, Zoom, etc.
Perform of exit interview counseling and federal regulations for communication to students upon withdrawal and R2T4
Utilize MS Excel to create reports
Review weekly potential refund lists
Coordinate continual policy and procedure updates and implementation of new processes
Collaborate with numerous internal and external constituents; attend meetings on behalf of the FA office and present at various recruitment and educational events.
Participate in training opportunities
Represent the office on various departmental and university committees as needed
Assist with special projects and miscellaneous tasks as needed
Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor