Description

The Student Financial Services (SFS) Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid counseling and administration for prospective and current students and families, helping them understand college affordability, financial aid eligibility, application requirements, and available resources. Manages assigned financial aid processes and special populations, reviews student records and documentation to determine eligibility and identify required follow-up, and provides proactive outreach to students who need additional assistance completing the financial aid process. Applies federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations consistently and partners across Student Financial Services to ensure accurate, timely, and student-centered delivery of financial aid.

Financial Aid Counseling & Student Account Support

• Advise and counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application requirements, financing options, regulatory requirements, and student account impacts.
• Research and resolve complex financial aid and student account concerns, explain the interaction of aid, charges, payments, and refunds, and identify matters requiring additional review, professional judgment, or specialized functional support.

Financial Aid Application Review & Verification

• Review financial aid applications, supporting documentation, and student records for accuracy, completeness, and consistency; resolve conflicting information and identify additional documentation or follow-up required to determine eligibility.
• Complete assigned financial aid processing, revisions, and disbursement-related work in accordance with federal, state, and institutional requirements and established procedures.

Financial Aid Program Administration

• Administer assigned federal, institutional, private, and other financial aid programs and processes, ensuring accurate and timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and ongoing program management.
• Responsibilities may include federal loan and grant administration and reconciliation, institutional grant programs, and management of the College’s portfolio of more than 450 endowed and departmental scholarship funds.

Specialized Populations, Campus Partnerships, Outreach & Professional Development

• Serve as the financial aid resource for assigned student populations and program areas, which may include international students, student-athletes, first-generation students, students with high financial need, and students participating in study abroad.
• Develop effective working relationships with campus partners, provide proactive outreach and individualized support, and represent Student Financial Services through informational sessions, campus programs, and other outreach activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable financial aid regulations, institutional policies, and industry practices through ongoing professional development and, as appropriate, participation in state, regional, and national professional activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2 years of experience in a related field

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.