Financial Aid Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a dedicated and skilled Financial Aid Counselor to support students and families in navigating financial aid processes, particularly in complex and unique circumstances. This role involves evaluating financial aid applications for compliance, determining eligibility for various programs, and providing expert advice to ensure students have access to the resources they need. The Financial Aid Counselor also coordinates specific financial aid programs, maintains data integrity, and upholds compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Student Advising: Provide comprehensive counseling to students and families about financial aid options, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Eligibility Assessment: Verify and assess student applications for compliance with program regulations and institutional policies.
• Program Coordination: Manage federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations, ensuring strict adherence in all processes. Keep detailed records and documentation for assigned student cases.
• Process Improvement: Utilize professional judgment to resolve unique student situations and contribute to the optimization of financial aid processes.
• Data Management: Ensure data integrity within financial aid systems, utilizing tools such as Jenzabar, PowerFAIDS, and Department of Education software.
• Outreach & Training: Participate in on-campus and off-campus workshops and training sessions to enhance financial aid awareness and expertise.
• Collaboration: Work independently and as part of a team to meet office objectives and maintain excellent customer service standards.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the goals of the Office of Financial Aid.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency with financial aid software and general office computer applications.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred:

• 1-2 years of relevant experience in financial aid, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience with Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS systems.
• Knowledge of Department of Education software, including EDconnect, COD, FAA Access to CPS Online, and NSLDS.
• Experience coordinating satisfactory academic progress programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work, ability to multi-task.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Exceptional customer service and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Capacity for independent decision-making and teamwork.
• Commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling some of the time and requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Application review process will start immediately until the position is filled.  
• Complete the online application using this link: https://www.columbiasc.edu/about/employment
• Upload a cover letter and resume with your online application, or email to Ms. Lola Kennedy, Senior Director of Financial Aid at [email protected].