Financial Aid Counselor

University of the Cumberlands; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant discount

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of the Cumberlands is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist students with federal and state financial aid options, eligibility, and FAFSA documentation. You will review applications, explain policies, and guide families through the financial aid process with accuracy and empathy.

You will also support orientation and information sessions, answer inquiries by phone, email, and in person, and stay current with regulatory changes affecting aid programs.

Qualifications

• Counsel students on financial aid options and FAFSA procedures.
• Review applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Explain policies, regulations, and eligibility criteria.
• Advise students and families to resolve financial aid issues.
• Coordinate outreach via phone, email, and text to request missing documents.
• Maintain compliance with FERPA and related laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options and FAFSA procedures.
• Assist students in understanding and navigating the financial aid process, including completing FAFSA and other required documentation.
• Review and evaluate financial aid applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Address inquiries related to financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility criteria.
• Advocate for students in resolving financial aid issues and challenges.
• Facilitate outbound communication via telephone, email, and text to ensure students are appropriately informed of missing financial documents.

Skills

Counseling

FERPA compliance

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Get Set for Cumberlands!

Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options, eligibility, and application procedures.
• Assist students in understanding and navigating the financial aid process, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other required documentation.
• Review and evaluate financial aid applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Address inquiries related to financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility criteria.
• Advocate for students in resolving financial aid issues and challenges.
• Facilitate outbound communication via telephone, email, and text to ensure students are appropriately informed of missing financial documents.
• Answer phone calls and respond to emails in a professional and tactful manner.
• Stay informed about changes in federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Assist with new student orientation including the ability to counsel, present and deliver presentation with financial information to prospective students and parents.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Initiative-taker with positive outlook and an interest in the success of the University
• Possess good decision-making skills and the ability to assist a student community of diverse perspectives and cultures.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have exceptional follow-up, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Respond to large volumes of phone, email and in-person inquiries in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage confidential information, exercise sound judgment and recognize the confidential nature of student information (FERPA)
• Results oriented with ability to manage multiple projects or tasks.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to solve problems and communicate concisely while focusing on the needs of the student.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Associate degree or equivalent experience required, B.A. or B.S. preferred.
• Previous experience in financial aid counseling or related student services role is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Excellent communication and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel with a willingness to learn University software products.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills including the ability to successfully priority and manage multiple tasks.

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a

"life-more-abundant."