Financial Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated previous experience with the financial aid process in higher education.
• Must be in good standing with Title IV loans to obtain access to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external customers.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service and counsel impartially and without judgment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, stay organized, attend to detail, follow through, and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism, flexibility, and ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to represent the College publicly and present to large audiences.
• Strong computer and internet skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to find solutions within Financial Aid guidelines.
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed for Open Houses, Orientations, Dorm Move-In, and other assigned workshops or seminars.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred minimum of five years of financial aid knowledge in a position responsible for processing and providing quality service to students and families in an educational environment.
• Experience with financial aid delivery systems; experience with Starfish, Salesforce, Jenzabar, and PowerFaids is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Explain financial aid award packages, program eligibility, and total award amounts to students and families.
• Review and verify FAFSA results and student eligibility for financial aid programs; identify award availability and calculate funding.
• Coordinate incoming requests and documentation submissions, monitor student enrollment, and explain award recalculations.
• Assist with Student Financial Services presentations and provide general guidance on federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal verification standards by checking FAFSA data against corresponding federal tax returns.
• Resolve discrepancies in financial aid information and explain and enforce federal, state, and College policies.
• Conduct individual interviews and information sessions with current and prospective students and families about aid options, requirements, application processes, and payment options.
• Research, verify, analyze, and assess student financial histories, including defaulted loans and repayment obligations at other institutions.
• Provide guidance and resolve customer issues while maintaining a high-quality customer experience.
• Provide counseling on Return to Title IV (R2T4) funds and explain Title IV refunds and repayments, including related U.S. Department of Education and NSLDS notifications.
• Assist with FAFSA processing and review financial aid applications for accuracy.
• Conduct follow-up to obtain required documentation for federal and state funding agencies.
• Assist the Associate Director of Student Accounts for Student Financial Services with outreach regarding past-due accounts.
• Help veterans and their dependents complete certificates of eligibility and other documentation to obtain entitled benefits.
• Participate in Office of Student Financial Services meetings, College events, and other activities.
• Process cash, check, credit-card, and debit-card payments.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.