Financial Aid Counselor

Posting SummaryJob Title Financial Aid Counselor Division Division of Enrollment Management & Student Success Department Financial Aid Office Work Status Full Time Position Category Staff FLSA Exempt Pay Range Salary Range $50,000 - $55,000 / year Fund Source State Support Job SummaryThe Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in compliance with applicable regulations and university policies. This role involves awarding and adjusting aid, performing verification, reviewing tax and financial documents, exercising professional judgment, and monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress. The counselor provides confidential financial aid counseling to students, prospective students, and families while delivering excellent customer service in a diverse environment. In addition, the position supports outreach efforts through orientations, open houses, financial aid nights, and related events, while fostering collaboration across campus offices. The counselor will also serve as a liaison for assigned student groups, managing communications, follow-up, and ensuring accurate and timely service to all constituents.Job DutiesDuties & Responsibilities:Assist with the administration of federal and state aid programs Award and adjust financial aid in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy.Provide accurate and confidential financial aid counseling and guidance to students, prospective students, and parents.Review federal tax transcripts and other confidential financial documents to determine financial need and eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs.Perform federal verification, resolve conflicting information, exercise professional judgment, and review appealsReview students’ Satisfactory Academic Progress and perform degree audits in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy.Demonstrated knowledge of Title IVMust have strong customer service skills and be able to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.Provide flexible, responsive, and high-quality service to students, the community, and staff, while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.Participate in new student orientations, open houses, financial aid nights, and other related events both on and off-campus.Work actively with other areas of the college to ensure a spirit of college-wide collaboration, collegiality, civility, and teamwork.Serves as liaison for office functions, programs, and services, internal and external to the University; attends open houses and orientations; manages Incoming calls, e-mail messages, and follow-up procedures applicable to assigned student groups.Requested Minimum QualificationsEducational RequirementsThe successful candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from an accredited College or University.ExperienceMinimum of one year of experience in financial aid, student services, counseling, or a related fieldAbility to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures accuratelyStrong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, and staffExcellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlinesStrong written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive informationProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Drive)Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software and technology toolsOther Preferences for ConsiderationPreferred QualificationsKnowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and policiesExperience with financial aid management systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar)Familiarity with U.S. Department of Education systems such as COD, NSLDS, and FAFSA processing toolsKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSA)Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, regulations, policies, and compliance requirementsKnowledge of financial aid processes, including awarding, verification, satisfactory academic progress, and professional judgmentKnowledge of student information systems, financial aid management systems, and U.S. Department of Education platforms (e.g., COD, NSLDS, FAFSA processing)Knowledge of general accounting principles and the ability to interpret financial documents such as tax returns, W-2s, and income statementsSkill in providing accurate, empathetic, and confidential financial aid counseling to diverse student populationsSkill in analyzing complex information and exercising sound professional judgment to resolve issuesSkill in maintaining strong attention to detail while processing high volumes of data and documentationSkill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical financial aid information clearly to students and familiesSkill in using technology effectively, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and financial aid/student information systemsAbility to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environmentAbility to organize and prioritize tasks while meeting strict deadlinesAbility to interpret and apply regulations and policies consistently and accuratelyAbility to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretionAbility to engage effectively with students, families, and colleagues from culturally diverse backgroundsAbility to adapt quickly to changes in regulations, policies, and technologiesAbility to represent the Financial Aid Office at orientations, workshops, open houses, and community events in a professional and student-centered manner