Student Financial Planning Counselor

High Point University; High Point (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

High Point University seeks a Student Financial Planning Counselor to support current and prospective students and families with federal, state, private and institutional aid—from acceptance to graduation.

Minimum two years in financial aid processing and a bachelor’s degree are required; strong communication and confidentiality are essential. The role involves counseling, verification, awarding aid, and handling ISIR codes, with occasional evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
• Knowledge of the various types of financial aid available.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial information in various situations.
• Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment under deadlines.
• Knowledge of integrated computer systems and web-based technology.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential family financial information.

Responsibilities

• Counsels students and parents on all financial aid matters.
• Completes federal verification and resolves ISIR codes per regulations.
• Awards federal, state, private and institutional aid according to policies.
• Analyzes family situations and explains available aid options.
• Manages interactions for prospective and current students and their families.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves problems during the aid process.
• Documents award actions in students' files.
• Processes Parent PLUS requests and outside scholarships.

Skills

Financial aid rules

Financial analysis

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidential handling

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, human service, or counseling

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Oracle

Job description

High Point University's Student Financial Planning Counselor serves current and prospective students and their families on all financial aid related matters including federal, state, private and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships. This position is to help our students, and their families secure the necessary funding needed to finance their education from acceptance to graduation while adhering to all required federal, state and institutional regulations and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience and Training:

• Minimum two years of experience involving financial aid processing or
• Bachelor’s degree in business, human service, or counseling
• Experience using Ellucian’s Colleague and/or Oracle preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies
• Knowledge of the various types of financial aid available
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial information in a wide variety of situations
• Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment in difficult and/or complex situations with little to no supervision and under tight deadlines
• Knowledge of integrated computer systems and web-based technology
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external customers
• Ability to appropriately handle highly sensitive, confidential family financial information

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Counsels students and parents on all financial aid matters
• Completes federal verification and resolve required ISIR comment codes according to federal regulations
• Awards federal, state, private and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships according to federal and state regulations and institutional policies
• Analyzes each family situation, determine the financial aid options available, and explain options to the family
• Manages interactions and the financial aid process for assigned population of prospective and current students and their families
• Conducts research as necessary to respond to inquiries and resolve problems that may arise during the financial aid process
• Determines award adjustments in appropriate situations and documents all such decisions in students' files
• Processes all Parent PLUS requests and outside scholarships for assigned student population
• Determines appropriate award corrective actions independently within established guidelines and implements or refer for action as appropriate
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating effectively with students, families, faculty, SFP team, and managers
• Timely completion of awarding, return calls, and email correspondence.
• Participates in institutional events as needed, including nights and weekends
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the SFP management team

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Maximizes student enrollment and retention through effective financial planning and counseling while processing financial aid in accordance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies
• Stays current on federal, state and institutional regulations and policies

TERM:

• Full Time
• Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some evenings & weekends for special events)

For more information about this position, please contact Megan Inch, Associate Vice President for Student Accounts and Financial Planning at [e-mail] or Katrenna Redd, Associate Director for Student Financial Planning at [e-mail]