Financial Aid Counselor

cuchicago; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Concordia University Chicago is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist in a comprehensive aid program. You will counsel students on eligibility, verify data for federal/state funds, and provide information on aid options to diverse campus stakeholders.

You will stay current with regulations, assist with applications and audits, and contribute to institutional reporting. The role emphasizes accuracy, collaboration with Admissions, and support for the Lutheran university mission in River

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with financial aid, student loan or student services experience preferred.
• Understanding of Lutheran higher education and mission.
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations related to financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate, and verify student data for financial aid awarding.
• Counsel students on aid eligibility and process, and explain aid packages.
• Attend workshops and stay current on federal and state regulations.
• Perform file review, verification, and awarding of funds.
• Assist with the financial aid application process and audits.
• Gather data for institutional and governmental reports.
• Serve as a resource for Admissions offices.
• Interpret and explain financial aid to students, faculty, and staff.
• Duties assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Skills

Customer service

Decision making

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Diverse communities

Relationship building

Banner knowledge

Excel

Word

Access

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Banner or similar financial aid technologies

Excel

Word

Access (report writing)

Job description

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid funds. Student eligibility is determined in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, policies and procedures. A person in this position is responsible for counseling students on matters of financial aid eligibility, and for providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs to various constituencies.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide assistance to the Director for the operation of a comprehensive financial aid program
• Counsel students regarding their aid eligibility, academic progress, and student accounts
• Attend financial aid workshops and remain current on Federal and State regulations
• Perform file review, verification and awarding of all financial aid funds
• Assist students with the financial aid application process
• Interpret and explain financial aid packages and processes to students, faculty and staff members
• Conduct financial aid presentations
• Certify and process applications for all educational loan programs
• Assist with yearly audit functions
• Assist with gathering data for institutional and governmental reports
• Serve as a financial aid resource person to the Graduate and/or Undergraduate Admission Office
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid

Skill Sets:

• Customer service oriented
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Must be detail-oriented
• High degree of organizational ability
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities on and off campus
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, the public and representatives of lending institutions
• Knowledge of Banner or similar financial aid technologies preferred
• Experience with Excel, Word and report writing software, such as Access

Minimum Experience Required:

Required Bachelor's Degree, financial aid, student loan or student services experience preferred, understanding and appreciation of Lutheran higher education. In addition to the technical knowledge required for this position the counselor will need to have a thorough understanding of the role of financial aid programs within a private college environment, a commitment to the mission of a selective church-related college, exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills, and be market-sensitive and responsive to students.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.