Financial Aid Counselor

Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: UG Financial Aid - TEACH

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description

Summary:

This position is an integral part of the university’s financial aid office. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of service to current and prospective students and parents. The counselor determines the financial aid eligibility of all students and assures compliance with federal and institutional guidelines. Additionally, the counselor advises current students, prospective students, parents, and colleagues regarding federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs. Financial Aid Counselors report directly to an Assistant Director.

The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive service to prospective and current students. The incumbent not only determines financial aid eligibility but also counsels both graduate and undergraduate students as well as parents regarding the financial aid programs. This position requires self-direction and minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

1. Analyzing Data
   • Determine the extent, type and amount of eligibility for various types of financial aid, based upon general guidelines provided by federal government regulations and the institution. Utilize professional judgment to evaluate federal tax forms, calculate assets and conduct need analysis to strategically award students consistent with university objectives. Using statistical sampling conduct detailed verification of all information submitted. This process guarantees the integrity of financial aid packages for both prospective and enrolled students.
2. Counseling Students
   • Provide financial advice and counseling to both prospective and enrolled students, parents, and AU administrators regarding the application process, bill payment, budgeting, and financial planning each semester. Explain federal/institutional regulations, methods of compliance and procedures, and policies. Understand and inform students of all principles underlying the system of needs analysis, methods of information collection and verification. The duties are handled in order to facilitate the financial aid process.
3. Decision Making
   • Evaluate appeals for amounts and types of financial aid awards. Utilize professional judgment to determine and makes adjustments, if warranted, based upon individual family circumstances incorporating existing federal and institutional guidelines.
4. Collaboration
   • Work with other university departments to include: AU Central, Student Accounts, Student Loan Office, Payroll, and the Registrar on behalf of students.

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.
• Prioritizing and Organizing.
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
• Championing Customer Needs.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
• 35 hours per week.
• A union-eligible position.

Salary Range: $27.00 - 31.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• B.A. / B.S. with at least one year’s experience in financial aid counseling in a large volume, multiprogram environment (Associate Degree and 5 years financial aid working experience can be substituted for the BA/BS degree requirement).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.