Financial Aid Counselor

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition remission for employees and/or

22 days annual leave

3 days personal leave

15 days sick leave

Holiday leave

Job summary

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in our Student Support unit to perform financial aid counseling and related administrative tasks to support students and staff.

Under supervision, the counselor provides high-quality service on FAFSA processes, analyzes financial need, offers aid, and uses aid systems and data reports; collaborates with OSFA/EM and campus partners, and represents the office at outreach events.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.
• Additional work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent and high-quality customer service to students and families on FAFSA and their financial aid options at the University of Maryland.
• Support the administration of the FAFSA and financial aid programs, including need analysis, aid offers, reconsideration of aid, review of cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, and Return to Title IV (R2T4).
• Use financial aid systems, websites and data reports for processing.
• Collaborate with OSFA, Enrollment Management (EM) and other campus partners on financial aid and OSFA projects/services.
• Represent OSFA on financial aid matters for OSFA/EM outreach events for campus and community partners as needed.

Skills

Financial aid knowledge

Oral and written communication

Microsoft Office

Data entry accuracy

Multitasking and prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Automated data processing system

CRM system

Job description

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in our Student Support unit, who under general supervision, will work independently to perform financial aid counseling and other administrative processes to support students and staff on financial aid. The Financial Aid Counselor will assist with the following important tasks:

• Provide consistent and high-quality customer service to students and families on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their financial aid options at the University of Maryland.
• Support the administration of the FAFSA and financial aid programs, which includes but is not limited to, conducting financial need analysis, aid offers, reconsideration of aid, review of the cost of attendance, verification, loan processing, review of Satisfactory Progress Policy and Return to Title IV (R2T4).
• Use financial aid systems, websites and data reports for financial aid processing.
• Collaborate with OSFA, Enrollment Management (EM) and other campus partners on financial aid and OSFA projects/services.
• Represent OSFA on financial aid matters for OSFA/EM outreach events for campus and community partners as needed.

Preferences

Experience providing counseling, advisement, or coaching to students in a financial aid, student services, or enrollment management office. Experience using an automated data processing system and/or customer relationship management system. One (1) year of experience processing financial aid professional judgement (special or unusual circumstance) appeals.

Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, retirement plan, tuition remission for employees and dependents, 22 days annual leave, 3 days personal leave, 15 days sick leave, and holiday leave.

This position does not provide sponsorship for Visas.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: Two (2) years of professional financial aid, finance advising, or finance counseling related experience.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures. Knowledge of federal, state, and other applicable related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances. Knowledge of Title IV regulations, policies and procedures. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Skill in attention to detail when reviewing and entering data. Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Ability and knowledge to assist in multiple areas throughout the office. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work in and promote a team environment. Ability to interpret and communicate information based on knowledge of institutional policies, procedures, and departmental considerations.