Position: Financial Aid Counselor
Reports to: Director of Financial Aid/VP of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement, & Marketing
Position Summary: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive financial aid counseling and advising to prospective and current students and their families. This on-campus position plays a crucial role in assisting students in maximizing their financial aid eligibility and understanding the financial aid process and their responsibilities.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide individualized financial aid counseling to prospective and current students, including one-on-one meetings, workshops, and presentations.
- Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms.
- Evaluate students’ financial aid eligibility based on federal, state, and institutional criteria.
- Advise students on various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Act as a liaison with the College’s third-party vendor to process and award financial aid packages to eligible students.
- Monitor student compliance with financial aid regulations and requirements.
- Resolve financial aid-related inquiries and problems.
- Maintains tuition remission records.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial aid records.
Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of two years of experience in financial aid counseling or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Prior use of Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS desired, but not required.
Skills and Abilities:
- Ensure accuracy in reviewing and processing financial aid applications, verify information, and determining eligibility.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities efficiently.
- Provide a high-quality service to students and families, ensuring a positive experience throughout the financial aid process.
- Ability to handle difficult situations and resolve conflicts with tact and professionalism.
- Maintaining confidentiality of student information and financial records.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of financial aid applications, awards, and correspondence.
- Ability to explain complex financial concepts and procedures to students, parents, and colleagues clearly and concisely.
- Familiarity with federal financial aid programs like FAFSA, Pell Grants, and student loans, as well as state-specific aid programs.
- TO APPLY: Please send resume, cover letter, and names, addresses & phone numbers of three professional references to: Human Resources * Keystone College * One College Green * La Plume, PA 18440-1099 * email: humanresources@keystone.edu
