Financial Aid Counselor

Lynn-University; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to package and process financial aid for students and to advise families on aid options and campus procedures. The role supports Student Financial Services by ensuring accurate information across in-person, email, Zoom, and phone communication.

The counselor will stay current on federal, state, and institutional regulations, participate in special projects, and coordinate training to promote retention and a supportive campus team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 1–2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of institutional, state and federal regulations governing financial aid.
• Accreditation and equal opportunity policies are acknowledged and followed.

Responsibilities

• Package and process financial aid for students.
• Advise students and/or parents on financial aid packages and SFS-related processes.
• Assist Student Accounts in managing accounts receivable to reduce delinquencies.
• Call students missing information to expedite processing of financial aid.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Advising and other departments to resolve student issues.

Skills

Microsoft Suite

PowerFaids

Jenzabar

Workday

Title IV regulations

Florida state programs

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PowerFaids

Jenzabar

Workday

Job description

Summary:The Financial Aid Counselor provides and supports the vision and mission of the university and Student Financial Services (SFS) Department by establishing and maintaining the highest level of customer service to Lynn students and parents. The Financial Aid Counselor awards students financial aid, processes the awards and advises the students on all aspects of financial aid and their student account. They will apply and be knowledgeable on all institutional, state and federal regulations. They ensure that they meet the mission and goal of the university. The counselor will participate in special projects and communication/outreach activities. The Financial Aid Counselor will provide accurate information to students and parents in-person or via e-mail, virtual platform and phone. The Financial Aid Counselor will provide high-quality, cross-functional administrative services that supports all SFS team members by promoting and coordinating student-oriented training sessions that focus on retention, recruitment, and are conducive to an overall campus team building environment. The counselor will work closely with the Specialists to ensure the highest quality customer service for students, parents and the Lynn community.Job Description:Essential duties and responsibilitiesPackage and process financial aid for studentsAdvise students and/or parents on financial aid package and SFS-related processesCounselor assists Student Accounts in the management of the accounts receivable with the primary goal of decreasing delinquent accounts and encouraging timely paymentsCall students that are missing information or documents to expedite processing of their financial aidAssist in special projects as requested by SFS leadershipAssist in completion of other counselors’ work during paid time-off or unplanned absencesDaily FunctionsPerform verificationPackage financial aidUpdate status of financial aid as neededUpdate all pertinent loan data prior to originationReview and approve student Refund Request FormsContact students for missing financial aid forms as neededContact students that have paid a deposit but have not sent in their ISIRCounsel students and/or parents about financial aid and financing optionsAnswer phone calls concerning financial aid and account balancesConsult with Admission, Registrar, Advising and other departments to help resolve student issues and concernsWeekly FunctionsRecalculate financial aid as neededReview assigned student population to ensure timely disbursement of aidAssist the Financial Aid Committee in reviewing financial aid appeals, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Professional Judgment (PJ) and endowed scholarship applicationsSemester Functions:Graduated/withdrawal worksheetsAssist with the student check-in process (new and continuing students)Adjust loan amounts and dates when returns are requiredReview pre-disbursement reports and revise award amounts if needed due to a change in the number of credit hoursConduct financial aid informational meetings as requestedParticipate in graduation send-off eventsConduct New Student Financial Planning meetings via ZoomYearly FunctionsAssist in yearly auditAssist in outreach communication events geared towards their specific student populationAssist in SAP process, to include canceling aid and notifying studentsFunctions as NeededAssist the SFS Leadership TeamVeterans Affairs (VA) certificationsAttend seminars, conferences, webinars and other training opportunitiesWork flex-hours or extra hours during peak periodsAssist in completion of other counselors’ work during paid time-off or unplanned absencesAssist at SFS front counterAssist in any function in relation to the operation of the SFS DepartmentAssist in ensuring completion of loan entrance and exit counseling requirementsAttend/present at Preview Days, Open Houses, Admitted Student Experience (ASE) and other on-campus activitiesParticipate in off-campus financial aid events (FAFSA nights, parent sessions, etc.)Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilitiesMicrosoft Suite, PowerFaids, Jenzabar, Workday, federal regulations pertaining to Title IV aid, Florida state programsMinimum qualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experienceAccreditation and equal opportunityLynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, parenting status, veteran status or retirement status in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the Lynn University Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator at 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431, [e-mail], or [phone]; or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call [phone] for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University. 2020 Lynn UniversityAmericans with Disabilities ActPlease notify us at least five days in advance if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed by calling [phone].The Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Clery Act, the University annually provides a report to each student and current employee, as well as to prospective employees and students, that provides a detailed disclosure of information regarding campus security practices (including Emergency Response Plan, Timely Warnings, Emergency Warnings, Missing Persons, fire safety policies, fire prevention data, and Crime Log policies), as well as crime and fire-related incident statistics for the preceding year. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lynn.edu/securityreportFor your health, Lynn University is smoke- and tobacco-free.