Financial Aid Counselor

California State University - Clarksville, TN

Full-time - Entry Level

Clarksville, TN

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Financial Aid Counselor plays a crucial role in administering various federal and state financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant program, the Federal Direct Loan Program, and the Tennessee Hope Lottery Program. This position involves providing guidance to students and parents throughout the financial aid process, coordinating outreach initiatives, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents throughout the financial aid process, offering information and resources on federal and private student loans.
• Advise students on budgeting, loan management, satisfactory academic progress, and special circumstances.
• Determine eligibility for financial aid programs in compliance with federal and state guidelines.
• Resolve student issues, escalating to higher authority when necessary.
• Package financial aid awards according to federal and state regulations.
• Analyze files for professional judgment decisions and special circumstance requests.
• Act as the liaison with Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) as required.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Student Achievement and Student Account Services.
• Conduct outreach programs, including financial aid workshops and college night events.
• Provide high-quality service to ensure customer satisfaction by processing files efficiently and accurately.
• Supervise student employees as needed.
• Stay current with computer programs relevant to processing and awarding financial aid.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal regulations and their application to financial aid programs.
• Certify federal student loan applications.
• Serve on internal and external committees as required.
• Review SAR C-Flags such as Unusual Enrollment History and Federal Overpayments.
• Identify and resolve conflicting information in student applications.
• Assist the Director with ongoing projects.
• Participate in various on- and off-campus activities.
• Process Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Previous financial aid experience preferred
• Successful completion of a background check for the selected applicant

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient in operating personal computers and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and Ellucian Banner.
• Effective and appropriate communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Competence in interacting effectively with diverse populations, the University community, and the public.
• Skilled in detecting and correcting grammatical and spelling errors in written correspondence.
• Ability to maintain accurate files in both paper and software formats.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively supervise personnel and manage associated personnel actions timely and accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills for difficult situations.
• Efficient in organizing, decision-making, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and working independently or as part of a team within a computerized environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply federal regulations for administering federal student financial aid programs.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.