The Financial Aid Counselor plays a vital role in supporting students by providing guidance on financial aid options, resources, and
policies. This position involves assisting prospective and current students pursuing advanced degrees in navigating the financial aid
process, to empower their pursuit of a desired degree or credential.
Key Responsibilities
Advising Students:
Meet with prospective and current students to discuss financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Provide personalized
guidance based on individual financial situations and deliver clear, concise information regarding financial aid policies, deadlines, and
procedures. Respond to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person consultations.
Financial Aid Processing: Process financial
aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Review and analyze student aid applications for
accuracy and completeness. Due to the seasonal nature of the work this will include processing and packaging aid for undergraduate
students.
Counseling on Financial Literacy: Conduct workshops and individual sessions on financial literacy topics, including
budgeting, debt management, and repayment options to empower students in making informed financial decisions.
Collaboration and
Reporting: Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interactions and financial aid awards. Assist in generating reports
for internal analysis and compliance audits. Collaborate with graduate program coordinators on program-specific data sharing and key
performance indicators.
Continuous Improvement: Stay current with evolving financial aid regulations and policies and
participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in the financial aid field.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in finance, education, counseling, or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal
and state financial aid regulations and processes. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise and
advocate for students. - Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of
a team in a fast-paced environment. - Proficiency in financial aid software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3-5 years experience in financial aid counseling or a related field.
- Familiarity
with graduate education programs and student demographics. - Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.
This job
description provides an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for a Financial Aid Counselor, aimed at attracting candidates
who are committed to supporting students in their educational pursuits. It does not represent the full scope of daily work or other duties
as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Student Financial Services.