Financial Aid Counselor [POOL]

NCCU Public Administration; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

TSERS retirement program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

North Carolina Central University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor (POOL) in Durham. The successful candidate will counsel students and parents on financial aid programs, determine eligibility, and explain opportunities per federal and university policies.

Responsibilities include managing communications, ensuring accurate data in Banner/NextGen, and collaborating with offices to support student aid. A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master’s is preferred with related experience.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Federal financial aid regulations and programs.
• Experience with need analysis and packaging in automated environments.
• Proficiency with MS Office and basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents on the full range of financial aid programs.
• Determine student eligibility and advise on opportunities per policy.
• Understand and apply federal, state, and university guidelines; operate Banner/NextGen.
• Respond to correspondence and maintain accurate records and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Planning and prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in business/public administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner system

NextGen

Electronic Data Exchange

Job description

100510, 100556, 100510, & 100540. Posting Details

This is a pooled posting for the following position numbers: 100510, 100556, 100510, & 100540. Posting Details

Position/Classification Title Student Services Specialist Working Title Financial Aid Counselor [POOL] Competency Level Journey Position Number 100510 Salary Grade Equivalent GN06 FLSA Non-Exempt Appointment Type Permanent - Full Time FTE 1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months If time limited, duration date Department Hiring Range $33,540 - $42,000 EEO-1 Category Professionals SOC Code 43-9199 - Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight!

Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution—we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as ‘The City of Medicine,’ NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight.

Visit NCCU.edu.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include the following and more:

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NC State – Health Benefits
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount and more.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The purpose of this organizational unit is to administer all of the student financial assistance, and to coordinate all of the Title IV student assistance programs, in which the institution participates, with the institutions’ other federal and non-federal programs of student financial assistance. Our population exceeds 7,500 students with over 90% receiving financial assistance through our office. This unit is responsible for the accountability of approximately $50 million in student assistance

Primary Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of this position is to counsel students, parents and the public concerning the entire range of financial aid programs. The responsibilities of this position include determining student eligibility, advising students and parents of specific financial aid opportunities and responding to correspondence. The candidate will be expected to understand and apply federal, state and university policies and procedures and must also possess a general knowledge of the Student BANNER system.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge Requirements

The Successful Candidate Must Possess

• Thorough knowledge of Federal financial aid regulations and programs, including:
  • The need analysis process
  • Financial aid packaging in an automated environment
  • U.S. Department of Education Title IV Delivery System
• Familiarity with automated financial aid database systems and Electronic Data Exchange
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
• Understanding of office policies and standard work procedures
• Knowledge of basic office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and calculators

Skills

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of individuals in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize workflow effectively
• Competence in preparing professional documents and reports

Abilities

• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Take initiative to see projects and assignments through to completion
• Learn, interpret, and analyze information to support decision-making
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in problem-solving
• Compile, file, and maintain documents in an orderly and professional manner
• Adapt to flexible work schedules as needed

Minimum Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Master’s degree from an accredited university in business, public administration or related field with 2-3 years of experience working at the Graduate Program Level is preferred; or a combination of education, training, and experience in a related field. Knowledge of graduate and Professional degree programs and resources Experience implementing workshops, orientations and/or conferences, and recruitment activities.

Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

n/a

Pre-Employment Requirements

• You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
• Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
• Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
• North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Work Hours 8:00am - 5:00pm - Monday - Friday Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies No Campus Security Authority Designated Position No Work Location Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Required Competency Managing Work Processes Duties

Employee must review and verify student disbursement and origination reports to ensure RPAAWARD and RPALORD match. Aid must be cancelled or decreased within three business days after report is distributed for student with less than half time class loads or zero hours.

Clear all CFLags, Loan Aggs with five days after receiving report of assigned alphabet.

Required Competency Decision Making Duties

Employee must meet 100% accuracy. Do Not create and Over Award or Over the Cost when keying aid to a student’s record. Employee must operate within the given parameters of authority in giving information and making obligations. Employee must clear all over awards, over need and over Cost of attendance daily and notify the student via phone, mail or email when generating a bill for the same.

Required Competency Information/Records Administration Duties

Employees are required to review and accurately interpret records and information in Banner and NextGen to respond to students and parents’ inquiries. Employees must be able to collect data and input data in Banner or NextGen and perform associated tasks with the collection of those documents. Key comments on RHACOMM. Employees must adhere to university, state and federal confidentiality regulations. Scan and index documents in BDMS. In addition, file (daily, weekly or yearly) documents for each student in the appropriate office or area.

Required Competency Coordination - Operations Duties

Employees shall answer and respond to telephone calls from SSA office number, Finesse telephone symposiums and emails from the departmental email account(s) and personal email as it relates to student inquiries. Respond to Chat inquiries as applicable. Review and access appropriate screens and systems to inform customers if documents are complete or incomplete and what is needed to complete the Financial Aid process or to respond to questions. Key comments on RHACOMM. Complete weekly reports, call campaigns and other duties as assigned.

Required Competency Customer Service Duties

Employee must make every effort to assist students with financial need. Employee must commit to the highest level of ethical behavior and refrain from conflict of interest or the perception thereof. Employee must maintain the highest level of professionalism, reflecting a commitment to the mission and goals of NCCU.

Required Competency Program Management Duties

Employee must be able to gain access and be able to effectively interpret the data in the following programs/systems: FAA, COD, NSLDS, Selective Service, BANNER, BDMS, FINESSE and NextGen to review students awards for accuracy, adjustments and overages.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).