Financial Aid Counselor II

Johnson C. Smith University; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor II to support students through the financial aid process. This position involves advising students, administering aid programs, and providing critical oversight and reporting for financial services. Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in financial aid and student support services. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience in financial aid processes highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct service to students regarding financial aid.
• Administer federal and state financial aid programs.
• Counsel students on financial aid options.

Skills

Advising

Analytical Skills

Communication

Supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

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.

QualificationsBachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.Supplemental InformationTo 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.