"Senior Financial Aid Counselor- Student Support"

Job Summary

Counsels and advises students and parents on the various financial aid programs. Assists with the administration of one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs. Evaluates Financial Aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various financial aid programs and performs data collection and record keeping duties.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of financial aid at the federal, state and institutional levels
2. Reviews student's eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs and ensures student's files are accurate and completed in a timely manner
3. Manages federal and state processes or programs, including but not limited to awarding, application download and tracking, CFlags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work Study, Return to Title IV, private scholarships, etc.
4. Responds to student inquiries by working the front desk, responding to tickets from the Communications Center and email inquiries from students; contacts outside entities to resolve student data conflicts, included but not limited to, servicers, state and federal agencies
5. Ability to understand and research issues related to various federal and state systems including but not limited to: CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, and Surfer
6. Reviews and analyzes daily exception reports to resolve issues and complete student files
7. Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance, recommends changes based on workflow and productivity issues
8. Participates in annual trainings and professional development to keep abreast of new information and program changes

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Required Experience
Two (2) years relevant experience in financial aid

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
National Association of Student Aid Administrators (NASFAA) credentials

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Previous experience in a financial aid office at an institution of higher education
Working and tested knowledge of Banner (Ellucian)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Ability to understand, interpret, and synthesize information from students/parents to effectively counsel
Ability to diffuse difficult and emotional situations
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Working and tested knowledge of state program rules and regulations, as they pertain to financial aid in the State of Georgia
Working and tested knowledge of Title IV rules and regulations, as they pertain to Federal Student Financial Aid
Working knowledge of and abides by the regulations of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, Ellucian Banner Financial Aid Module, USG GA Modifications to Banner)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette