Financial Aid Counselor

Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor is a customer service driven professional position. The Counselor provides counseling services to students and parents regarding the application process for obtaining federal, state, private, and institutional sources of financial assistance. The Counselor monitors individual student eligibility for aid awarded under specific programs and regulations, verifying the accuracy of information submitted by students on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), certifying the eligibility and processing of funds for federal and private loan programs, providing assistance in identifying all sources of financial assistance for which a student may qualify in order to continue enrollment, and communicating with students with respect to issues or conditions that may have a negative effect on their continued eligibility to receive financial assistance. The position will require assisting the Director in reporting related to Federal and state aid programs.

Responsibilities:

•  Review and track required information into Comprehensive Academic Management System (CAMS).
• Evaluate student aid applications in compliance with eligibility requirements stated in federal, state and institutional regulations.
• Determine student academic eligibility for assistance by applying standards of progress requirements in accordance with federal and state regulations and university degree program requirements.
• Determine when necessary, with proper documentation to support, the changing of a student’s dependency status and level of financial need as deemed justifiable by the evaluator.
• Disburse scholarship funds in accordance with donor requirements and federal regulations.
• Resolve any inconsistent data on student aid applications and verification documents in compliance with Federal Student Aid Verification Requirements.
• Responsible for timely certifying eligibility of federal loan applications for students and parents.
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal and state regulations as they pertain to the processing of Federal Stafford and PLUS loan applications.
• Transmit electronically, Federal Stafford and PLUS data via currently used software programs using the internet and file transfer protocols. Requires understanding of computer file maintenance and downloading operations.
• Resolve any loan application processing problems with lending institutions or loan servicers.
• Completing lender requests for collection assistance to assist with default prevention.
• Help students and parents through all aspects of loan application and disbursement.
• Maintain a working knowledge of each different lender requirements for certification and student eligibility as they pertain to the processing of private loan applications. Specific requirements for special state loan programs.
• Act as a liaison between students and lenders to resolve issues regarding certification and disbursement.
• Assist with monitoring and status of student loan funds received.
• Assist in loan debt counseling as needed.
• Maintenance of Policies & Procedures Manual for the Office of Financial Aid.
• Generate Missing Information Letters.
• Coordinate all packaging routines (Ability to package both manually and with CAMS).
• Administer Federal Work Study Program.
• Supervise office work study workers.
• Assist organizations on campus with workshops, events, regarding financial aid.
• Preparation for FAFSA week on the campus of Louisburg College.
• Provide counseling duties in peak processing times and during staff absences.
• Conducts individual counseling sessions for students and/or parents either by appointment, phone, or on a drop in basis.
• Troubleshoot student, parent and institutional inquiries.
• Participation in financial aid functions and meetings.
• Review and management of website ensuring that it is up to date and in working order; including all forms, documents and other web links.
• Maintain list of federal, state and institutional programs on website and consumer related pieces.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Skills and Abilities:

• High level of competency with Microsoft Word and Excel. Demonstrated comfort with using technology in an office setting.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively by phone and email.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to deal effectively with staff, the public, various government entities and the university community.
• Builds positive relationships with faculty and staff across all College departments, and shows a commitment to collegiality, mutual respect, supportiveness and inclusiveness. Acts in a fair, flexible, honest and ethical manner at all times.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. Balances the need to make timely actions while seeking input from appropriate individuals. Fosters open communication, acceptance and appreciation of other’s opinions and thoughts.
• Commitment to quality service and customer service to faculty, staff, students and other College constituents. Experience in developing strong and effective process improvement goals and metrics for optimal results.
• A passionate commitment to the mission of the College.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree and 2 years’ experience in a Financial Aid Office or counseling/student personnel; or a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in Financial Aid office.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and State regulations for Federal and State Financial Aid programs including Federal Work Study program administration.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references to snmoore@louisburg.edu.