Financial Aid Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor

Department: Student Financial Services

Position Reports to (Position Title): Associate Director, Student Financial Aid Services

Effective Date: 

Salary Range: 

 Position Class: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid Services, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling students regarding aid availability, how funds are administered, the financial aid application process, programs available, and problem resolution. The Financial Aid Counselor is expected to oversee the administration of at least one institutional, federal, or state program/process. Program/process administration includes monitoring individual student eligibility, submitting required reports within established formats and deadlines, performing reconciliations in preparation for annual audits, and training themselves on program regulations in concert with provided training from senior staff. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Be available to respond to questions about federal, state, and institutional financial assistance
• Counsel students and parents throughout the recruitment, application, and enrollment process, including verification, PJ, loan origination, etc., for the assigned group
• Liaise with Veterans and Military Resource Center concerning Veterans, dependents, or spouses of veterans' eligibility for Federal and state benefits
• Analyze and process enrollment certifications, determining eligible classes and degree programs for Veteran Educational Benefits, and monitor changes to registration
• Determine student eligibility, collect/enter dat a, and award funds based on federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Process and review financial aid paperwork, avoid conflicting state and federal aid programs with benefits, and determine eligibility for processing student loans, while utilizing VA benefits,
• Exhibit and model exemplary customer service skills, emails, texts, phone calls, and in-person visits
• Apply technological skills to use financial aid systems, including Colleague, Etrieve document imaging, SoftDocs, COD, Zoom, etc.
• Perform of exit interview counseling and federal regulations for communication to students upon withdrawal and R2T4
• Utilize MS Excel to create reports
• Review weekly potential refund lists
• Coordinate continual policy and procedure updates and implementation of new processes
• Collaborate with numerous internal and external; attend meetings on behalf of the FA office and present at various recruitment and educational event s.
• Participate in training opportunities
• Represent the office on various departmental and university committees as needed
• Assist with special projects and miscellaneous tasks as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Technical knowledge necessary to facilitate financial aid processes
• Knowledge of financial aid best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Student-focused and strong commitment to superior customer service
• Proficiency in computers and software including Microsoft Office suite

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Two or more years in financial assistance demonstrating initiative and professionalism
• A working knowledge of federal financial aid regulations is required
• An understanding of financial aid leveraging, extensive use and knowledge of technology, and attention to detail are essential
• Experience within a private, liberal arts university is preferred
• Knowledge of Florida State Scholarship programs preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone

 Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

To Apply

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and list of references with a JU application.