Financial Aid Counselor

Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the full-time Financial Aid Counselor will assist in the administration of institutional, federal, state, private, as well as other financial aid resources to undergraduates, as well as graduate students. The Financial Aid Counselor is also responsible for providing excellent customer service to students as well as parents, displaying an in-depth knowledge on debt management and financial planning.

This position requires exceptional customer service to internal as well as external stakeholders, as well as the ability to work independently when necessary.

Full knowledge of maintaining program compliance is required. Ability to collaborate with the college’s staff on strategic planning, as well as assist with public outreach with presentations and related projects as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

General Office Related Responsibilities (40%)

• Provide daily metrics on student data from PowerFAIDS
• Manages loan entrance and exit interview processes
• Liaison for executing outbound correspondence including award notification and verification of documentation
• Provide back-up support to maintain and monitor office calendar
• Conduct financial aid counseling providing information on various financial resources using a variety of platforms including in-person, telephone and Zoom
• Administer student employment program, verifying the accuracy of all required documents. Instruct student workers on appropriate completion of timesheets
• Run various standardized reports on a regular basis (i.e. ISIR receipt status, packaging status, appeal status, etc.)
• Provide timely updates on student enrollment status to Campus Partners

Financial Award Packaging Responsibilities (30%)

• Issue new and revised award notifications
• Maintain/monitor student award package records
• Monitor FinAid/Admission shared drive for new student merit letters for packaging
• Conduct required federal verification review of selected students
• Provide revisions to awards for graduate students and new spring admits
• Provide subsequent ISIR reports to Associate Director for possible award revisions

Responsibilities Related to Loan Processing (20%)

• Monitor Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) database for updated entrance and exit counseling. Master Promissory Notes (MPN) for student and parents PLUS and alternative loans. Notify students and parents of process updates
• Provide back-up support for import and export disbursement files from COD. Release disbursements to student files and reconciles disbursements with the accounting office
• Flag mid-year transfer files for appropriate processing

Other (10%)

• Serve in back-up role for various office responsibilities including, but not limited to loan origination, Pell processing and process files to COD/NSLDS. This position will perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Customer Service-Related Requirements

• Must be personable, with a professional approach to provide quality, front line customer services in all forms of communication.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all members of Hood College community.
• Providing outstanding customer service and application directions while demonstrating patience and understanding to students and families who are seeking and/or receiving financial aid information and application directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Assist at College events by representing the Financial Aid Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must be available to work Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends for admission events.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the qualified individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Highly motivated, independent worker with attention to detail, initiative and good problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written are also required. (Bilingual a plus)
• Commitment to the team and goals of the department.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum of an Associate’s Degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience in higher education financial aid, accounting or banking a plus.

Minimum two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in an in-person office setting, or any equivalent combination of education and the required experience; Proficient in the latest Microsoft applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. PowerFAIDS experience is a plus. Knowledge of PowerFAIDS, Direct Loan Tools (DL Tools) and/or other U.S. Department of Education software preferred.

Technology Skills

Strong computer proficiency in internet applications and email, Office Suite Productivity products (such as Microsoft Word, Excel & Powerpoint), and office equipment such as fax and phone required. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications. Knowledge of computerized financial aid systems (PowerFAIDS) or comparable database system and good analytical/critical thinking skills are important and highly desirable.

Language Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal relations skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, procedures, governmental regulations and legal documents. Ability to effectively present information and positively respond to questions from prospective students and their parents; faculty and staff, as well as other stakeholders. Bilingual is a plus.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with several concrete variables where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans.

To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to apply on-line via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, resume and three professional references.

If you need assistance with the on-line application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.

Hood College is committed to diversity in its faculty and staff and subscribes to a policy of hiring only individuals legally eligible to work in the United States. EOE/AAP/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 312), (301) 696-3592. For complete information on Hood College’s nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)