Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid

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Summary The Financial Aid Counselor provides counseling, needs analysis, and packaging for a designated caseload of students. In addition to direct counseling responsibilities, the counselor assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas. The role requires sound judgment in the interpretation and application of federal and institutional policies and active collaboration across campus partners to support student success. The Financial Aid Counselor will also stay up to date with evolving Title IV federal and state regulations through active participation in professional development networks (e.g., NASFAA, SASFAA).

Essential Functions: Counsel a dedicated caseload of students and families, performing need analysis, verification, and packaging of federal, state, and institutional aid in accordance with applicable regulations and university policy. Explains complex financial aid concepts, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal student loans, cost of attendance, and repayment options, clearly and empathetically to all students, parents and guardians of applicants. Perform federal verification, resolving conflicting data points, analyzing tax transcripts, and adjusting FAFSA records in compliance with Department of Education regulations. Reviews and resolves complex student files involving unusual circumstances, conflicting information, or regulatory interpretation, determining appropriate next steps consistent with policy. Assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas, including monitoring compliance and coordinating related processes across campus partners. Provide crisis-management and conflict resolutions for students and families experiencing unexpected financial hardships Reconcile financial aid accounts and run regular quality assurance reports to identify and correct discrepancies before funds are disbursed. Analyzes system-generated reports and data to support timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and adherence to federal and institutional requirements. Provide outreach and programming support with presentations and workshops (such as FAFSA completion nights) on and off campus to prospective students, parents, and community partners. Protect PII and CUI in all instances. Share front desk coverage to assist students who visit the financial aid office. Understand services and resources available for students across campus. Collaborate with colleagues in the Admissions Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Financial Services, Academic Advising, and Dean’s Office to meet students’ needs and support campus-wide recruitment and retention goals. Maintain student records documenting contacts and communications. Attend seminars, conferences, and department training to remain current with federal regulations,