College Counselor - Financial Aid Specialist

Great Expectations College Prep•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Great Expectations is seeking a detail-oriented, strategic, and dynamic Financial Aid Specialist to help students and families navigate the financial side of college admissions. The role focuses on explaining financial aid, developing affordability strategies, and helping families make informed decisions about paying for college. Depending on client availability, counselors are expected to have capacity to work with at least five students per graduating class. This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position; hours depend on client load and the scope of client work. The position offers opportunities for growth, including potential full-time management roles. The specialist guides families through financial aid and scholarship planning, explains financial concepts, communicates deadlines and policy updates, and coordinates with college counselors to align financial strategies with admissions strategies. The role requires strong organization, attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to build trust with families in high-pressure client environments. Employees need a dedicated, quiet workspace and reliable internet access for virtual sessions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a Top-50 institution.
Experience in financial aid counseling, college counseling, or a related field.
Strong working knowledge of FAFSA, CSS Profile, and financial aid systems.
Experience interpreting financial aid award letters and advising on affordability.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with families.
Ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and accessibly.
Poise navigating high-pressure, high-expectation client environments.
Success working with students with varied engagement levels, including self-driven students and students requiring strategic re-engagement and motivational scaffolding.
Proficiency with college counseling software, spreadsheets, and data management tools.
Dedicated, quiet workspace and reliable internet access for virtual sessions.

Nice To Haves

Background in finance, education, counseling, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Guide families through FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional aid applications.
Explain Expected Family Contribution (EFC) / Student Aid Index (SAI) and how these affect affordability.
Advise on need-based versus merit-based aid strategies.
Identify scholarship opportunities aligned with student profiles.
Support students in developing competitive scholarship applications, including essays, resumes, and positioning.
Create and manage scholarship timelines and submission strategies.
Educate families about realistic scholarship expectations and trade-offs.
Translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
Lead workshops or webinars on financial aid and paying for college.
Proactively communicate updates, deadlines, and changes in financial aid policies.
Partner with college counselors to align financial strategy with admissions strategy.
Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of financial aid materials.
Maintain organized documentation and communication across multiple clients.