Financial Aid Counselor

College of St. Scholastica, Inc.•Duluth, MN

15h•$44,191 - $57,448

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor provides essential support to students and families in navigating the financial aid process. This role includes assisting with the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) application procedures, interpreting federal, state, and institutional policies, and advising students on financial aid programs such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. The Counselor will ensure students are informed about available financial resources and provide outstanding service to make their educational journey financially feasible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Two (2) years of experience in academic, financial or customer service operations support, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of college enrollment management processes, including admissions, registration, financial aid, and student services.
Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, parents, and colleagues.
Excellent communication skills, including active listening, professional written communication, and public speaking abilities.
Proficiency with computer applications, including student information systems, financial aid management systems, customer relationship management tools, and office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
Ability to perform and document financial aid calculations accurately.
Experience in creating and revising financial aid award notifications.
Skilled in exercising discretion, independent judgment, and adhering to established guidelines.
Ability to problem-solve student aid issues and processing discrepancies effectively.
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage projects, research solutions, and take initiative.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
Cultural competence with the ability to work with individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a Financial Aid Office.
Familiarity with Ellucian (BANNER), Workday or a similar student information system.
Experience with Salesforce or a similar customer relationship management system.
Knowledge of and experience with automated financial aid systems, such as COD, NSLDS, FAA Access, and CPS.
Experience with document imaging software.
Familiarity with the Google suite of office products (Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar).

Responsibilities

Offer personalized financial aid guidance to prospective and current students and their families, addressing questions on federal and state aid programs, institutional awards, and the overall financial aid process.
Assist students in understanding their financial aid packages and guide them on budgeting and managing finances during their academic career.
Review and assess financial aid applications, including the FAFSA, institutional forms, and other necessary documentation.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations when awarding financial aid.
Identify and resolve discrepancies in submitted financial aid applications.
Help manage financial aid programs such as federal grants and student loans.
Administer institutional scholarships and grants, ensuring eligibility and accurate disbursement.
Assist in creating and updating financial aid policies and procedures.
Design and lead financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach activities for students, families, and staff.
Maintain clear communication with students regarding the status of their financial aid applications, award updates, and any additional required documentation.
Address complex financial aid inquiries or issues promptly and professionally.
Offer support to students facing financial challenges by providing suggestions for additional resources or alternative payment options.
Stay up-to-date on federal and state financial aid regulations to ensure activities comply with relevant laws and institutional policies.
Assist in preparing reports and audits related to financial aid disbursements and student eligibility.