Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Counselor serves as an essential member of the Office of Financial Aid, working collaboratively with LifeWorks student staff, a financial aid counselor, two assistant directors, and the director. This position provides counseling and guidance to current and prospective students and their families, administers institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs through certification and awarding, and performs related administrative responsibilities in support of the office's operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and support 3-4 LifeWorks student employees in daily customer service operations, including phone and email communication.
• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid processes, eligibility, and available options.
• Serve as a primary financial aid contact for newly admitted students and connect them with appropriate campus resources.
• Recommend aid strategies based on student eligibility to help reduce borrowing and support informed financial decisions.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through virtual and in-person training opportunities, including occasional regional travel.
• Attend evening and weekend events, programs, and orientation sessions as needed.
• Certify and award institutional, federal, and state financial aid.
• Maintain and handle sensitive student and financial information with a high degree of discretion and accuracy.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Enrollment Management, including Admissions, Student Financial Services, and the Registrar.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Excellent organizational, communication, time-management, and multitasking skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (required); experience with PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar (highly desired).
• Willingness to complete periodic training on the management and delivery of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Ability to adapt to change and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented environment.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in student/customer service, counseling, admissions, financial aid, finance, accounting, or business management

Additional Information:

ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE

Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry's educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. Our mission and values are grounded in the ethic that our founder instilled more than a century ago:

"We educate the head, heart, and hands - to inspire leaders of integrity who cultivate thriving communities. Combining academic exploration with meaningful work responsibilities in a residential setting, our approach emphasizes firsthand experiences and mentoring. We invest in the personal growth and professional preparation of talented students from varied backgrounds, with an enduring commitment to help those hindered by financial need. Guided by Christian principles, we value the dignity of individuals, the search for truth tempered with grace, and the well-being of our neighbors."

Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business, physician associate studies, and teacher education. The College's stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry's ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. An Equal Opportunity Institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interviews or workplace accommodations are welcomed and can be directed to [email protected] or (706) 233-4062.