Student Financial Planning Counselor

High Point University•High Point, NC

10d

About The Position

High Point University’s Student Financial Planning Counselor serves current and prospective students and their families on financial aid matters involving federal, state, private, and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships. The counselor helps students and families secure the funding needed to finance education from acceptance through graduation while complying with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. The role counsels students and families, manages the financial aid process for an assigned population, analyzes family financial situations, and determines and explains available funding options. It also includes processing and reviewing financial aid information, making and documenting award decisions, resolving issues, and maintaining timely communications. The counselor is accountable for supporting student enrollment and retention through effective financial planning and for staying current on applicable regulations and policies. This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position scheduled from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekends for special events. Other duties and special projects may be assigned by the SFP management team.

Requirements

At least two years of experience involving financial aid processing or a bachelor’s degree in business, human service, or counseling.
Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
Knowledge of the various types of financial aid available.
Ability to analyze and interpret financial information in a wide variety of situations.
Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment in difficult or complex situations with little to no supervision and under tight deadlines.
Knowledge of integrated computer systems and web-based technology.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external customers.
Ability to appropriately handle highly sensitive and confidential family financial information.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Ellucian’s Colleague and/or Oracle.

Responsibilities

Counsel students and parents on all financial aid matters.
Complete federal verification and resolve required ISIR comment codes according to federal regulations.
Award federal, state, private, and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships according to regulations and institutional policies.
Analyze each family’s situation, determine available financial aid options, and explain those options to the family.
Manage interactions and the financial aid process for an assigned population of prospective and current students and their families.
Conduct research to respond to inquiries and resolve problems that arise during the financial aid process.
Determine award adjustments when appropriate and document decisions in students’ files.
Process Parent PLUS requests and outside scholarships for the assigned student population.
Determine appropriate corrective actions for awards independently within established guidelines, and implement or refer actions as appropriate.
Maintain a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and conduct with students, families, faculty, the SFP team, and managers.
Complete awarding and return calls and email correspondence in a timely manner.
Participate in institutional events as needed, including events held during evenings and weekends.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the SFP management team.
Support student enrollment and retention through effective financial planning and counseling while processing aid in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.
Stay current on federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.