Financial Aid Counselor
Post Published On:Reports to:Â Director of Financial Aid
Full-time, on campus
Job Summary: The Financial Aid Counselor performs various duties necessary to support the delivery of financial aid to students in a diverse campus environment. The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling a caseload of students and parents on the financial aid process and can communicate complex financial aid information clearly and concisely. Program responsibilities include day-to-day processing of Federal Direct Loans, Federal Pell grants, and Georgia Grant. The Financial Aid Counselor will assist with coordination of internal procedures and efforts to ensure timely delivery of financial aid funds to students and exercise professional judgment under the supervision of the director to determine treatment of exceptional circumstances.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive counseling and advisement to all current and prospective students and families by video, phone, in person, text, and email to deliver exceptional service
- Works closely with Admissions to ensure all prospective students have completed files and are properly awarded
- Provide advice to students and their family regarding the financial aid process, including financial aid eligibility, award of financial aid packages, balance owed on the student’s account, how to set up payment plans, applying for additional loans, and other payment options
- Responsible for timely responses and process of the Student Financial Aid email box
- Responsible for answering all incoming calls to the Financial Aid Office and timely response to voice mail
- Review of student’s account for adjustments to financial aid because of discrepancies with credit load, housing, budget, etc.
- Research pending aid
- Oversee scholarship awards and state-funded programs (HOPE, GTEG, etc.)
- Reviewing a variety of the required verification documents, federal tax documents, and other documents that the financial aid office may request with the student data listed on the FAFSA and making the necessary corrections.
- Follow up with students to complete financial aid files.
- Work with students who are at or near aid limits regarding options to complete their education.
- Counsel families and students regarding verification changes, the effects on their financial aid award, and the appeals process
- Promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the university community and consistent with the department’s mission, attending staff meetings and training sessions as requested, communicating effectively with supervisors concerning pertinent departmental and university matters
- Perform related duties as necessary to support the Thomas University mission
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office, specifically Access, Excel, and Word.
- Exceptional customer service, problem solving and communication skills.
Preferred:
- Experience working at a college/university, preferably in financial aid and with Adult Learners.
- Understand financial aid awarding and Title IV eligibility for undergraduate and graduate students, the verification process, and Cost of Attendance components.
- Knowledge of Title IV federal regulations.
- Experience with Higher Education software platforms desired; knowledge of CAMS and CampusLogic preferred
Skills:
- Must be detail-oriented
- Excellent customer service skills
- Professional oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Process information quickly and accurately
- Able to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume environment
To apply:
Please complete the Employment Application and send a resume and cover letter to Derek Haskins, Director of Financial Aid. dhaskins@thomasu.edu
