Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description:The Office of Financial Aid invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Financial Aid Counselor.Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive financial aid counseling and support to prospective and continuing students.Responsibilities include:Provide high-quality customer service to prospective and continuing students regarding financial aid eligibility and processesAnalyze federal financial aid applications to determine students' financial needPrepare and award financial aid packages and perform all duties related to the financial aid processInteract professionally with students and parents, including in challenging situations, to resolve financial aid-related issuesUtilize and update databases and process applications for financial aid received from studentsCollect and analyze student financial data to determine aid eligibility and make awards in accordance with federal, donor, and institutional guidelinesEvaluate documentation related to unusual or mitigating circumstances submitted by studentsExercise professional judgment by adjusting cost of attendance, contribution, or dependency status, as appropriateAssist in the preparation and presentation of information related to federal financial aid, scholarships, employment, and grants, for various campus groups, as well as high school students and parents at meetings, workshops, group discussions, and recruitment eventsPlan, organize, and administer loan programs, including Federal Direct Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and alternative loan programsResolve any issues with direct loans by reviewing the comment codes on the FAFSA form.Process and monitor budgets for institutional loans, create Master Promissory Notes on ECSI (third-party partner)Analyze system-generated reports (e.g., grades, enrollment status, award status) to ensure continued compliance with federal and institutional eligibility requirementsNotify students of changes in award eligibility and provide guidance on available optionsRespond to questions, inquiries, and requests from students, parents, and guardians in person and in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibilityVisa sponsorship is not provided for this position.Requirements:Bachelor's degreeOne year of financial aid experience in a school, college, or university settingKnowledge of financial aid eligibility requirements, application procedures, aid programs, cost of attendance, student indebtedness, responsible money management, and financial planningApplication Instructions:Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.