"Financial Aid Counselor"

Financial Aid Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Enrollment Management

SHIFT: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Counselor provides direct support to students and families by advising them on financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and funding options. This role is responsible for counseling students, processing financial aid applications, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Financial Aid Counselor also conducts outreach activities, including visiting high schools and community organizations to assist prospective students and families with FAFSA completion and financial aid education. Through personalized counseling and proactive outreach, the position supports student access, enrollment, and success.

REPORTS TO: Director of Financial Aid

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to):

• Counsel current and prospective students and their families on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and funding options.
• Assist students with completion of the FAFSA and other required financial aid applications.
• Conduct outreach activities by visiting high schools, community organizations, and college access programs to provide financial aid presentations and FAFSA completion assistance.
• Represent the institution at college fairs, financial aid nights, orientations, and enrollment events, including evening and weekend programs as needed.
• Process financial aid applications, verification documents, and eligibility reviews in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Review and resolve student financial aid discrepancies, conflicting information, and documentation issues.
• Award and package financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, following established policies and timelines.
• Provide guidance on satisfactory academic progress (SAP), renewal eligibility, and financial aid appeals.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation in financial aid and student information systems.
• Communicate financial aid information clearly through in-person counseling, phone, email, and virtual platforms.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, Registrar, and other campus departments to ensure timely and accurate aid delivery.
• Participate in financial literacy initiatives and student success programs.
• Stay current on changes to financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Support office operations, including front-line service coverage and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, finance, business, public administration, or a related field.
• One to three years of experience in financial aid administration, student services, admissions, or a related higher education setting.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations, including Title IV.
• Experience assisting students with FAFSA completion and financial aid applications.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, including first-generation and underserved students.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with financial aid management systems, student information systems, and standard office software.
• Ability and willingness to travel to high schools and community organizations and to work occasional evenings or weekends for outreach events.
• Experience conducting outreach activities, including high school visits, financial aid workshops, and FAFSA completion events.
• Knowledge of verification, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and financial aid awarding processes.
• Experience with financial literacy programming or college access initiatives.
• Commitment to equity, access, and student success in higher education

Additional Information: Proficient in Campus Café or Colleague preferred.

Employment at Clinton College is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the College. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

Applications should include a cover letter and resume and must be sent, preferably in PDF format, to humanresources@clintoncollege.edu. The subject line of the email should read "Financial Aid Counselor." The process will continue until the position is filled.