Financial Aid Counselor

William Jewell College; Liberty (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading college in Missouri seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to guide students on financial aid options and resources. The role involves advising students, processing applications, and conducting financial literacy workshops. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and strong communication skills to support students effectively.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and processes.
• 3-5 years experience in financial aid counseling preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on financial aid options including grants and loans.
• Process financial aid applications ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Conduct workshops on financial literacy topics to empower students.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, education, counseling, or a related field.

Tools

Financial Aid Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Financial Aid Counselor plays a vital role in supporting students by providing guidance on financial aid options, resources, and policies. This position involves assisting prospective and current students pursuing advanced degrees in navigating the financial aid process, to empower their pursuit of a desired degree or credential.

Key Responsibilities

Advising Students: Meet with prospective and current students to discuss financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Provide personalized guidance based on individual financial situations and deliver clear, concise information regarding financial aid policies, deadlines, and procedures. Respond to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person consultations.

Financial Aid Processing: Process financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Review and analyze student aid applications for accuracy and completeness. Due to the seasonal nature of the work this will include processing and packaging aid for undergraduate students.

Counseling on Financial Literacy: Conduct workshops and individual sessions on financial literacy topics, including budgeting, debt management, and repayment options to empower students in making informed financial decisions.

Collaboration and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and documentation of student interactions and financial aid awards. Assist in generating reports for internal analysis and compliance audits. Collaborate with graduate program coordinators on program-specific data sharing and key performance indicators.

Continuous Improvement: Stay current with evolving financial aid regulations and policies and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in the financial aid field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, education, counseling, or a related field.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise and advocate for students.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in financial aid software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in financial aid counseling or a related field.
• Familiarity with graduate education programs and student demographics.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.
  
  
  

This job description provides an overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for a Financial Aid Counselor, aimed at attracting candidates who are committed to supporting students in their educational pursuits. It does not represent the full scope of daily work or other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Student Financial Services.