Financial Aid Counselor
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
The position of Financial Aid Counselor aims to assist the Division of Enrollment Management in identifying, enrolling and retaining motivated and qualified students who are committed to leadership, the liberal arts and a desire to develop as a whole person and to assist them in seeking resources to achieve their educational goals. Is energetic and demonstrates initiative, creativity, a sense of humor, the ability to work well independently and in a team, and manages multiple responsibilities concurrently.
Description of Duties and Tasks
- Responsible for daily operations related to the administration of all federal, state, private and institutional aid.
- Manage special projects and/or on-going activities as assigned by Director or Associate Director of Financial Aid.
- Help coordinate short and long range planning of office function and flow.
- Respond with “sense of urgency” to all questions and/or concerns from internal and external individuals.
- Foster and maintain a positive atmosphere to ensure all interactions are handled with the highest level of professionalism and customer service.
- Handle processing of federal, state, private and institutional aid through PowerFAIDS, federal and state systems.
- Counsel students, parents and legal guardians on Title IV, State, and Institutional aid availability and/or eligibility requirements.
- Counsel Service Members (in conjunction with VA Benefits Coordinator) on Title IV, State and Institutional aid availability and/or eligibility requirements
- Proficient in all standard procedures of enrollment, as it relates to financial aid eligibility.
- Responsible for maintain compliance to all federal and state regulations and institutional policies.
- Provide leadership and training to other campus stakeholders on aid eligibility, awarding and financial literacy.
- Assist in the completion of federal and state reports and surveys as well as department statistical reports and projections as needed.
- Assist with periodic review and development of department policies and procedures.
- Develop an advanced work ethic and demonstrate the ability to prioritize and attention to detail.
- Serve on university and department committees as appropriate.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelors degree required
- Minimum of 3 years related experience
- Exceptional computer skills; PowerFAIDS experience preferred
- Exceptional communication skills, dealing with a wide variety of constituents
- Ability to remain confidential
- Demonstrated planning and exceptional organizational skills
- Ability to think strategically and multi-task required
- Multi-lingual candidates preferred
- Excellent team building, customer service and leadership skills
Reports to: Director of Financial Aid