Financial Aid Counselor

Stillman College • Tuscaloosa, AL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor welcomes students, parents, and visitors when they visit or engage with the office. This position involves significant interaction with students and parents. This position provides financial aid counseling services to students and parents regarding all aspects of the financial aid process. This position handles inbound and outbound calls, office emails, schedule appointments and assists students with completing the FAFSA and other financial aid forms, makes necessary referrals to other student service offices, resolves conflicting information and C-Flags issues, and provides general office support. The role of Financial Aid Counselor is a critical component to the overall student experience at Stillman College.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required and two year of experience at an institution of higher education focusing on financial aid and/or student counseling OR Associate degree with five years of experience at an institution of higher education focusing on financial aid and/or student counseling.
• At least two years of experience with Ellucian Colleague or Banner.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal and written).
• This position involves significant interaction with students and parents. Ability to counsel, advise, disseminate financial aid information, educate staff and administration, make referrals for students and staff over a wide range of subjects relating to the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, navigating through college-wide administration, with good communication skills while utilizing professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary, along with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to work with multiple projects simultaneously and use independent judgment.
• Strong motivational skills to create a positive and engaging work environment with a focus on customer service.
• Able to counsel and handle difficult situations with sensitivity and responsiveness to student needs.
• Strong ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize and collaborate among staff and management.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents both in person and over the phone throughout the students’ academic career at Stillman College.
• Counsel and advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning and individualizes information to the particular needs and situations of the students.
• Provide good customer service by responding to students' and parents' inquiries accurately and in a timely manner. Contact student to clarify questions or to request additional information. Provide extended office coverage and support during peak service periods to meet increased demand for financial aid counseling.
• Collect information to resolve verification, C-Flags and conflicting information issues.
• Awarding and disbursement financial aid funds based on federal, state, and institutional policy.
• Contact students to clarify questions or to request additional information.
• Review incoming documents. Process incoming and outgoing mail.
• Manage Front Desk and office Work-Study Students.
• Maintain office supply inventory and manage supply room. Keep lobby, supply room, privacy rooms, conference room and front desk clean and orderly.
• Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors and college constituents.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all federal, state, and college programs administered by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Keep abreast of all changes in federal, state, and college laws, rules and regulations by reading aid literature and attending various training sessions.
• Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, etc.
• Manage and reconcile assigned aid programs.
• Participate in the development of institutional financial aid policies and procedures that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.
• Attends workshops and conferences requiring out-of-town travel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Director or Assistant Director to support the mission of the college.

What This Job Offers

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