Student Financial Services Counselor

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design; Providence (RI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design seeks a Student Financial Services Counselor to join the Student Financial Services department. This role will counsel students and families on financial aid, student accounts, eligibility, and funding, while managing outreach on outstanding balances and processing payments.

With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the counselor will handle inquiries, verify Title IV compliance, and support educational access through outreach and literacy programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of financial aid, student financial services experience, or relevant experience.
• Ability to work with and help foster a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Financial literacy or familiarity with financial aid.
• Strong computer skills including MS Word, Excel, student information databases, and Internet or web-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and assist current and prospective students and families in all areas of financing their RISD education (financial aid, student accounts, student employment).
• Process, audit and reconcile student account receivables and complete outreach to resolve balances.
• Review, determine and verify student scholarship eligibility and track outside scholarships.
• Answer phone and departmental emails in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with federal verification processes, ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations and eligibility requirements.
• Post, deposit and reconcile student payments and create statements and tax forms on request.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Financial literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Student information databases

Internet / Web apps

Workday Student

Job description

Job SummaryRhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Student Financial Services Counselor to join the Student Financial Services (SFS) Department.With a demonstrated commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, the Student Financial Services Counselor will act as the main contact person for Student Financial Services by assisting visitors, managing the SFS email and receiving incoming calls for Student Financial Services. The SFS Counselor will counsel students and families in regards to their student accounts, financial aid availability, eligibility and funding, as well as application procedures, award processing, expenditures and money management. The SFS Counselor will administer various student account related functions including, but not limited to, payment processing and completing outreach regarding outstanding balances.Essential Functions:Counsel and assist current and prospective students and families in all areas of financing their RISD education (financial aid, student accounts, student employment).Process, audit and reconcile student account receivables. Complete outreach to resolve student account receivable balances.With an in-depth understanding of Title IV regulations, review, determine and verify student scholarship eligibility. Track, process and record outside scholarships, including interactions with various organizations. Create invoices, submit and confirm payment for third party invoicing.Answer phone and departmental emails in a timely and professional manner.Assist with federal verification processes, ensuring compliance with all Title IV regulations and eligibility requirements.Post, deposit and reconcile student payments.Create student statements, specialty 1098-T tax forms and Canadian Tax forms by request.Participate in Student Financial Services programs and contribute and distribute communication materials including, but not limited to, financial literacy sessions, loan exit counseling, graduation and orientation and recruitment events.Maintain knowledge of current federal, state and institutional guidelines and regulations related to student financial services. Attend state and regional trainings, on-line learning courses, and professional network groups. Evaluate and apply learnings as appropriate to RISD Student Financial Services processes and services.Communicate Student Financial Services policies and procedures to all constituents, internal and external, in clear, timely and customer friendly ways.Place orders for office/staff supplies and materials as needed.Assist with the hiring, training and management of student employees.Responsible for front desk coverage during operational hours.Required Knowledge/Skills/ExperienceBachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.Minimum two years of financial aid, student financial services experience, or relevant experienceAbility to work with and help foster a diverse and inclusive culture.Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.Financial literacy or familiarity with financial aid.Strong computer skills including MS Word, Excel, student information databases, and Internet or web-based applications.Preferred Qualifications:Thorough knowledge of Title IV regulations and programs.Workday Student experience.Union:NoWork Schedule:35 hours per week; 12 months per yearEmployment Status:Full-Time; Regular; ExemptGrade:525EXWork ModalityHybrid EligibleDocuments Needed to Apply:Resume (Required)Cover Letter (Required)Salary Grade StructureIncomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.For internal use only - Job Family:Student Financial Services