Financial Aid Counselor/ Loan Specialist

CIO Applications Europe; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a full-time Financial Aid Counselor/Loan Specialist at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. In this position, you will play a crucial role in counseling students and processing loans to ensure compliance with financial aid regulations.

You must possess excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and a Bachelor’s degree. Collaboration with various departments and outreach initiatives is a key aspect of this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated customer service experience required.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private financial aid regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise students on financial aid eligibility and application processes.
• Certify and reconcile federal Direct and private student loans.
• Maintain compliance with Title IV and institutional regulations.
• Collaborate with campus partners for accurate processing.

Skills

Customer service skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork

Proficiency in financial aid systems

Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Ellucian

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid is accepting applications for a Financial Aid Counselor/ Loan Specialist. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

The Financial Aid Counselor & Loan Specialist reports to the Director and/or Assistant Director of Financial Aid and plays a central role in counseling students and families while managing federal and private loan processing. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and provides high-quality service through in-person, virtual, phone, and email communication.

The role works collaboratively with Student Financial Services, Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus partners to support students throughout the financial aid lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on financial aid eligibility, application processes, loan options, and the impact of enrollment changes.
• Meet with students and families in person, by phone, and virtually to address financial aid questions and concerns.
• Respond to inquiries via email and phone in a timely and professional manner.

Financial Aid Administration

• Determine and process eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs, including grants, loans, and specialized programs (e.g., veteran’s benefits, tuition assistance).
• Review and process Professional Judgment requests, including cost of attendance adjustments.
• Support awarding of institutional and external aid programs, including scholarships and tuition exchange programs.

Loan Processing & Compliance

• Certify and reconcile federal Direct and private student loans, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review NSLDS records, monitor aggregate loan limits, and resolve loan-related flags (e.g., C-Codes, transfer monitoring).
• Process loan adjustments and coordinate the return of federal and private funds when required.
• Assist with administration of Federal Nursing Loans, including coordination with loan servicers.
• Conduct Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations for students who withdraw or change enrollment status.
• Provide and document required loan entrance and exit counseling in compliance with federal regulations.

Compliance & Operations

• Maintain compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
• Monitor regulatory updates (e.g., NASFAA, federal guidance) and contribute to policy and procedure development.
• Maintain accurate student records and utilize financial aid systems (e.g., Ellucian) and reporting tools (Excel, Google Suite).
• Run and review reports to support reconciliation, monitoring, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration & Outreach

• Collaborate with campus partners to ensure accurate and timely processing of financial aid.
• Participate in outreach initiatives, presentations, and training events for students and staff.
• Support special student circumstances and complex cases through team collaboration.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain regular and predictable onsite attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex processes accurately.
• Ability to analyze information, problem‑solve, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Manage high‑volume workloads during peak processing periods.
• Proficiency in financial aid systems (Ellucian preferred) and Microsoft Office/Google Suite.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.
• Experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated customer service experience required.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private financial aid regulations strongly preferred.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities with unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.