Financial Aid Counselor

Description

Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor advises students and parents on the Financial Aid application process and offers information about aid programs suitable to them. They review Financial Aid applications and distribute awards to students. They maintain accurate student files in compliance with policies and regulations.

Responsibilities:

The position of Financial Aid Counselor serves as a point of contact for a variety of questions related to Financial Aid and other areas within Enrollment Services and determines student eligibility for federal Financial Aid. This position provides superior customer service through face-to-face, telephone, internet, and other communication methods. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid and supports the Enrollment Services office which encompasses Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid.

Essential Duties

• Serve as the primary contact for current and prospective students needing assistance with Financial Aid.
• Provide comprehensive Financial Aid counseling regarding Financial Aid eligibility by planning and implementing events, presentations, and connecting with students through various communication modalities (on or off campus events, in-person events, email, phone or text).
• Evaluate student eligibility for the Federal Work Study program and manage the budget for this program.
• Deliver, receive, and review of documentation critical in determining student eligibility for Financial Aid programs including federal Financial Aid documents such as the FAFSA, Federal Aid appeals for unusual/mitigating circumstances, and verification documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and compliance of regulations, Title IV program requirements, student eligibility, federal and institutional methodologies.
• Manage highly sensitive information and maintain confidentiality in accordance with all federal, state, institutional, and office regulations and guidelines.
• Analyze and interpret complex federal, state, and college regulations, policies & procedures, guidelines and tax documents.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 1 year work experience related to education, data entry, records management, customer service, student services, financial services, OR an Associates Degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience as previously listed
• Experience providing a high level of customer service and communicating through various channels, such as face-to-face, phone, and email
• Experience with basic office equipment and Word processing, spreadsheets, database, and other related software applications
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Experience reviewing and interpreting federal rules and regulations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other people

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous work experience in an academic Admissions, Student Records, Financial Aid, or Enrollment Services area
• Experience reading and interpreting various types of transcripts
• Knowledge of Community College Commission & AACRAO guidelines, Federal and State regulations
• Experience with student record software such as Banner, Moodle, Colleague, etc
• Experience with Casper College (or other higher education institution) catalog, admission process, course selection and academic programs
• Experience with Financial Aid, program award procedure, award notification process, and continuing award eligibility requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of FERPA rules and regulations

Supplemental Information Work Environment:

Typical work environment is an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. Interaction with the public will be required, especially during peak seasons. Short periods of time will be spent outdoors traveling between campus buildings in various weather conditions. Occasional travel will be required for this position, during which time the employee will be subjected to various environmental and weather conditions. Work is usually performed during the normal workday however, early morning; late evening and weekend work may be required during periods of critical attendance to meet the peak periods related to position responsibilities and requirements of the Enrollment Services department.

Physical Demands:

Employee is regularly required to sit and stand for long periods of time, speak, hear, use hands and fingers to handle materials and use computer, feel, and reach with hands and arms. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required; less frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Specific vision requirements, close-up with the ability to adjust focus.

To Apply:

• Complete online application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three work-related references
• Copies of unofficial transcripts

Note to Candidates:

• Employment is contingent upon successful background check.
• Official transcripts required upon hire.
• This is a full-time, benefited position.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Remote Work Eligibility:

Unless otherwise noted, all positions provide vital support to Casper College and require the successful candidate be available to work on location at the Casper College campus.