Student Financial Planning Graduate Counselor

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human service, or counseling

Experience and Training:

• Minimum 2 years in student financial aid environment with direct experience involving Federal and state awarding 

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies 

• Must possess the ability to understand complex federal and state regulated programs as well as adhere to institutional strategic procedures

• The ability to work independently while being a part of a team that stresses accuracy, integrity, and efficiency is vital

• Knowledge of the various types of financial aid available 

• Ability to analyze and interpret financial information in a wide variety of situations

• Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment in difficult and/or complex situations with little to no supervision and under tight deadlines. 

• Knowledge of integrated computer systems and web-based technology 

• Effective oral and written communication skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external customers

• Ability to appropriately handle highly sensitive, confidential family financial information

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Counsels’ students and parents on all financial aid matters 

• Awards federal, state, private and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships according to federal and state regulations and institutional policies 

• Analyzes each family situation, determine the financial aid options available and explains options to the family

• Manages the application process from start to finish for his or her assigned group of students

• Manages the financial aid process and interactions with designated population of prospective students and families to positively impact students’ decisions to attend the University

• Examines all application materials for accuracy and completeness and performs federal verification according to federal regulations

• Handles overall financial aid awarding functions including, but not limited to, import and evaluation of FAFSA information, packaging, loan certification and origination, federal verification and refund calculations

• Conducts research as necessary to respond to inquiries and resolve problems that may arise during the financial aid process

• Determines award adjustments in appropriate situations and documents all such decisions in students’ files

• Determines appropriate corrective actions independently within established guidelines and implements or refers for action as appropriate

• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating effectively with students, students’ parents, faculty, co-workers and managers. 

• Timely completion of award packages, return calls and email correspondence

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Maximizes student enrollment and retention through effective financial planning and counseling while awarding financial aid in accordance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies

• Stays current on federal, state and institutional regulations and policies 

TERM: 

• Full Time 

• Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some weekends for special events) 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For more information about this position, kindly contact Sandra Norris, Director of Student Financial Planning at snorris@highpoint.edu