Financial Aid Counselor II

Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor II to provide direct service to students concerning financial aid processes. This full-time position involves counseling students, administering financial aid programs, and supervising paraprofessional staff. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and strong communication skills, ensuring students receive proper guidance throughout their aid applications.

Benefits

Complete benefits package including health care and retirement plans.

Tuition remission for employees and dependents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong communication and counseling skills required.

Responsibilities

• Administer and regulate federal or state financial aid programs.
• Counsel students and their families on financial aid options.
• Package student financial aid awards according to guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Counseling

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Salary : $41,000.00 - $46,900.00 Annually
Location : Charlotte
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Job Number: 202500022
Division: Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management
Department: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 05/29/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Responsibilities
The Financial Aid Counselor II is responsible for providing direct service to students and their families in regard to the financial aid process and advises them in all phases of the aid application and delivery system. The position serves as a primary contact for the department for both undergraduate and graduate students. The Financial Aid Counselor II will exercise professional judgment and expertise in processing, awarding and adjusting awards. Counselors also represent the Financial Aid Office at a variety of on and off-site events including Open Houses, Orientation, etc. The position will also provide some level of supervision to paraprofessional, part-time and temporary employees. This position is supervised by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administer and regulate federal or state financial aid programs coordinating all activity, reporting and reconciliation of the assigned program (i.e., Federal Work Study, NC State Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Grants, Default Management).

Counsel students and their families on their financial aid options.

Package student financial aid awards according to federal, state and institutional guidelines

Create and utilize reports as appropriate to retrieve, compile and analyze student's financial records to internal and external agencies.
Complete required verification process for students who have been selected by the Department of Education.

Initiate the professional judgment process for eligible students.

Review and evaluate required documentation and package awards in accordance with established guidelines; interpret and apply federal, state and institutional regulations to determine and certify student eligibility.

Provide support for institutional reporting needs and help develop database queries.

Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including student aid reports, tax reports, court documents, job applications, promissory notes, payment rosters, award letters, transcripts, financial need assessments, invoices, verification sheets, requisitions, memos, correspondence, etc.

Serves as liaison between the University and scholarship / granting agencies.

Administers scholarship/grant programs as assigned, including but not limited to making nominations, reviewing applications, checking academic records, determining eligibility, calculating awards, importing and exporting financial aid data electronically to various agencies/departments, processing payment documents, reconciling accounts, etc. Coordinates work-study assignments with students and University supervisors. Evaluates job positions; updates supervisors' guide and student guide; makes recommendations for jobs; coordinates work-study payroll, etc.

Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone required to perform the requirements of the job.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, coworkers, other department heads and employees, students, prospective students, parents, faculty members, lending institutions, government agencies, other colleges/universities, sales representatives, and the general public.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide some level of supervision to paraprofessional, part-time and temporary employees.

Performs general clerical/administrative duties as required, including but not limited to entering computer data, copying and filing documents, typing reports and correspondence, answering telephone, reviewing mail, ordering office supplies, etc.

Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Supplemental Information
To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three supervisory references including the most recent supervisor.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Health Insurance Plans
The University offers two PPO Plans, one being a High Deductible Health Plan that are administrated by Healthgram and utilizes the Great West Health (GWH)-Cigna PPO network. A Wellness Premium discount is available to those that participate. A full vision benefit is included. Health insurance coverage becomes effective on the 61st day of employment.

Dental Insurance
The University offers dental coverage through Delta Dental of North Carolina. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Life Insurance
The University provides a group term life insurance policy through The Standard with a value of one times the annual salary. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Long-term Disability Insurance
The University provides each full-time employee with group long-term disability insurance through The Standard. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Supplemental Policies
Supplemental life insurance and short-term disability, accident and cancer policies are available through Colonial and Aflac. Premiums for these individual policies may be paid through payroll deduction.

Retirement
To assist faculty and staff to plan for their retirement, Johnson C. Smith University provides a 403 (b) retirement plan utilizing TIAA that allows for supplemental and matching contributions. Enrollment in this plan is not automatic. Employees may elect a percentage towards supplemental contributions immediately. Eligible employees are required to contribute in order to receive the University's match after 1 year of service. The University will match contributions on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% for eligible employees.

Sick Leave
Faculty and non-academic personnel accrue one paid day of sick leave for each month of employment the calendar year. Accrued but unused sick leave may be accumulated and carried over from year to year, up to a maximum of 60 days. Sick leave may be taken for the employee's personal illness, medical appointments or the illness of a parent, child or spouse.

Vacation Leave
Non-academic personnel earn one paid day of vacation leave for each month of employment during the calendar year. Administrative Officers and Non-academic personnel may accrue a maximum of 20 vacation leave days.

Bereavement Leave
Non-academic personnel will be granted up to three days of bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member.

Other Leaves of Absence & Holidays
Other leaves of absence including sabbaticals, leave for military and jury duty, educational and Family/Medical Leave are available for eligible employees. The University is closed in observance of 13 holidays.

Tuition Remission
Full-time employees who have completed six months of continuous service are eligible to enroll in a maximum of three semester hours at Johnson C. Smith University and will receive a discount of one-half of the tuition cost. If an employee qualifies for tuition remission, the dependent children of that employee may also receive the tuition discount for up to 18 credit hours. Through the Council of Independent Colleges Consortium employees and their dependents may also be eligible for a full tuition waiver at one of over one hundred participating consortium schools.

HealthPlex and Wellness Programs
The grant-funded facility is available to all employees during the hours of operation and a coordinator is on duty to train employees to properly operate the equipment and get the most out of their workout routine. The University also sponsors a variety of Wellness programs throughout the year for faculty, staff and students.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees and their immediate family members who are troubled by marital, financial, and emotional and substance abuse and other problems. Services provided through the EAP are strictly confidential and free of charge. University EAP services are provided through Atrium Health and The Standard.

Salary : $41,000.00 - $46,900.00 Annually
Location : Charlotte
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Job Number: 202500022
Division: Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management
Department: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 05/29/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Responsibilities
The Financial Aid Counselor II is responsible for providing direct service to students and their families in regard to the financial aid process and advises them in all phases of the aid application and delivery system. The position serves as a primary contact for the department for both undergraduate and graduate students. The Financial Aid Counselor II will exercise professional judgment and expertise in processing, awarding and adjusting awards. Counselors also represent the Financial Aid Office at a variety of on and off-site events including Open Houses, Orientation, etc. The position will also provide some level of supervision to paraprofessional, part-time and temporary employees. This position is supervised by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administer and regulate federal or state financial aid programs coordinating all activity, reporting and reconciliation of the assigned program (i.e., Federal Work Study, NC State Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Grants, Default Management).

Counsel students and their families on their financial aid options.

Package student financial aid awards according to federal, state and institutional guidelines

Create and utilize reports as appropriate to retrieve, compile and analyze student's financial records to internal and external agencies.
Complete required verification process for students who have been selected by the Department of Education.

Initiate the professional judgment process for eligible students.

Review and evaluate required documentation and package awards in accordance with established guidelines; interpret and apply federal, state and institutional regulations to determine and certify student eligibility.

Provide support for institutional reporting needs and help develop database queries.

Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including student aid reports, tax reports, court documents, job applications, promissory notes, payment rosters, award letters, transcripts, financial need assessments, invoices, verification sheets, requisitions, memos, correspondence, etc.

Serves as liaison between the University and scholarship / granting agencies.

Administers scholarship/grant programs as assigned, including but not limited to making nominations, reviewing applications, checking academic records, determining eligibility, calculating awards, importing and exporting financial aid data electronically to various agencies/departments, processing payment documents, reconciling accounts, etc. Coordinates work-study assignments with students and University supervisors. Evaluates job positions; updates supervisors' guide and student guide; makes recommendations for jobs; coordinates work-study payroll, etc.

Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone required to perform the requirements of the job.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, coworkers, other department heads and employees, students, prospective students, parents, faculty members, lending institutions, government agencies, other colleges/universities, sales representatives, and the general public.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide some level of supervision to paraprofessional, part-time and temporary employees.

Performs general clerical/administrative duties as required, including but not limited to entering computer data, copying and filing documents, typing reports and correspondence, answering telephone, reviewing mail, ordering office supplies, etc.

Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Supplemental Information
To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three supervisory references including the most recent supervisor.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Health Insurance Plans
The University offers two PPO Plans, one being a High Deductible Health Plan that are administrated by Healthgram and utilizes the Great West Health (GWH)-Cigna PPO network. A Wellness Premium discount is available to those that participate. A full vision benefit is included. Health insurance coverage becomes effective on the 61st day of employment.

Dental Insurance
The University offers dental coverage through Delta Dental of North Carolina. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Life Insurance
The University provides a group term life insurance policy through The Standard with a value of one times the annual salary. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Long-term Disability Insurance
The University provides each full-time employee with group long-term disability insurance through The Standard. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Supplemental Policies
Supplemental life insurance and short-term disability, accident and cancer policies are available through Colonial and Aflac. Premiums for these individual policies may be paid through payroll deduction.

Retirement
To assist faculty and staff to plan for their retirement, Johnson C. Smith University provides a 403 (b) retirement plan utilizing TIAA that allows for supplemental and matching contributions. Enrollment in this plan is not automatic. Employees may elect a percentage towards supplemental contributions immediately. Eligible employees are required to contribute in order to receive the University's match after 1 year of service. The University will match contributions on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% for eligible employees.

Sick Leave
Faculty and non-academic personnel accrue one paid day of sick leave for each month of employment the calendar year. Accrued but unused sick leave may be accumulated and carried over from year to year, up to a maximum of 60 days. Sick leave may be taken for the employee's personal illness, medical appointments or the illness of a parent, child or spouse.

Vacation Leave
Non-academic personnel earn one paid day of vacation leave for each month of employment during the calendar year. Administrative Officers and Non-academic personnel may accrue a maximum of 20 vacation leave days.

Bereavement Leave
Non-academic personnel will be granted up to three days of bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member.

Other Leaves of Absence & Holidays
Other leaves of absence including sabbaticals, leave for military and jury duty, educational and Family/Medical Leave are available for eligible employees. The University is closed in observance of 13 holidays.

Tuition Remission
Full-time employees who have completed six months of continuous service are eligible to enroll in a maximum of three semester hours at Johnson C. Smith University and will receive a discount of one-half of the tuition cost. If an employee qualifies for tuition remission, the dependent children of that employee may also receive the tuition discount for up to 18 credit hours. Through the Council of Independent Colleges Consortium employees and their dependents may also be eligible for a full tuition waiver at one of over one hundred participating consortium schools.

HealthPlex and Wellness Programs
The grant-funded facility is available to all employees during the hours of operation and a coordinator is on duty to train employees to properly operate the equipment and get the most out of their workout routine. The University also sponsors a variety of Wellness programs throughout the year for faculty, staff and students.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees and their immediate family members who are troubled by marital, financial, and emotional and substance abuse and other problems. Services provided through the EAP are strictly confidential and free of charge. University EAP services are provided through Atrium Health and The Standard.