Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Huntsville, AL

Position Summary

Process and maintain student financial aid files and assist students with the completion of all aspects of financial aid on the Huntsville and Decatur Campus.

Salary: Appropriate placement on ACCS Salary Schedule E3, Grade 4: $38,979 - $56,128

Work Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.; Friday 7:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and must submit a complete application packet to be considered. A complete application consists of the following:

• Online application
• Current résumé
• Copy of college transcripts (Transcript of college work verifying degree requirement; must include degree awarded and date confirmed. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted before the deadline, but official transcripts must be received if employed.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform all duties with professionalism.
• Assist with processing financial aid and other forms including, loans, work-study, appeals, professional judgment, and terms and conditions.
• Process and calculate financial aid returns to Title IV (R2T4).
• Review financial aid files to ensure correct processing.
• Answer a variety of student questions about financial aid process in person, over the phone and via email.
• Assist students by fostering financial literacy and debt management. Revise accounts as a result of over awards.
• Discern when confidentiality in work needs to be maintained and maintain that confidentiality.
• Certify private loans.
• Handle scholarship applications/processing.
• Maintain/update college financial aid website.
• Process financial aid, work study and satisfactory academic progress appeals.
• Alert supervisor of any issues that are in need of upper management attention.
• Provide exit loan counseling.
• Type communication materials and fold/stuff them to be sent out.
• Scan documents.
• Process financial aid files selected for verification including confirming satisfactory progress, reviewing academic transcripts, reviewing information on computer versus paper information turned in.
• Assist students in filing FAFSA applications accurately and verify their eligibility for financial aid.
• Ensure compliance with voluminous and detailed federal, state and local regulations.
• Maintain membership and participation in AASFAA and NASFAA, which provide advocacy and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as a resource for working adults interested in attending or completing college.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one (1) year (32 semester hours) of postsecondary education from an accredited institution with a minimum of 16 semester hours in a related field and a minimum of one (1) year of related work experience is required OR one (1) year (32 semester hours) of postsecondary education from an accredited institution and a minimum of three (3) years related work experience is required. Previous customer service work experience is preferred.
• Ability to utilize Excel or other database software to sort and manage lists and reporting is required.
• Ability to utilize Word or other word processing tools to prepare and communicate information including mail merge is required.

• Knowledge of community college policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Banner or a related program.
• Knowledge of rules of grammar.
• Knowledge of basic math and accounting concepts.
• Knowledge of generally accepted office practices and procedures, including records management.
• Knowledge of the financial aid, including the process for applying (including FAFSA).
• Knowledge of FERPA.
• Knowledge of basic IRS documentation and tax processes related to financial aid such as IRS 1040 form.
• Knowledge of SAP policies.
• Skill in operating a computer and in operating a mouse to control a computer.
• Skill in utilizing a multi-line phone system.
• Skill in operating a fax machine, copier, scanner, label maker, shredder, calculator/adding machine, and letter folder.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to prescribed routine.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to make decisions based on correspondence, data or other information.
• Ability to utilize Banner Administrative Software.
• Ability to utilize and search the internet for information.
• Ability to utilize Application Extender and BDMS.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize issues.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and explain complex information in simple terms.
• Ability to utilize email systems to communicate information.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision/work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to operate in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to greet individuals of any background with friendliness, tact and courtesy.
• Ability to operate in high pressure situation where discussing monetary issues with students is a routine occurrence and responding to issues in a calm manner.
• Conscientious- wanting to care about how work is done and wanting to do a good job.
• Initiative- responding to downtime by taking responsibility to do other work.
• A focus on details.
• A focus on being friendly and patient in responding to customer need.
• Willingness and desire to learn new things and apply that learning.
• Willingness to maintain flexibility in order to meet customer needs.
• A positive attitude regardless of circumstances at hand.
• Confidence in decision making and communication skills.

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Finalist will be required to provide official transcripts that are mailed directly to the Office of Human Resources at Calhoun Community College from the institution(s) granting the credits.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:
In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form and to submit a non-refundable $24.40 payment for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

Calhoun Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all post secondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Calhoun Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. The college reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. Calhoun Community College participates in the E-Verify system to verify employment eligibility for all newly-hired employees.

Calhoun Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Calhoun Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Specific questions regarding Calhoun's educational programs, admissions, and other matters related specifically to the College should be forwarded directly to the college.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.calhoun.edu

P.O. Box 2216
Decatur, AL 35609
256-306-2590
256-306-2591

jobs@calhoun.edu