Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor will assist in all areas of financial aid counseling and processing to include Title IV programs (Direct Loans, Pell, TEACH, FSEOG & FWS), state grant and institutional programs, and all other aid as it relates to the financial aid programs.

This position requires a team-oriented approach and will collaborate with various offices on campus to ensure the student receives quality customer service and financial literacy. The Financial Aid Counselor handles day-to-day functions of the office including meeting with students and families to discuss processes and aid opportunities, processing Title IV aid which includes utilizing COD, ISIR processing, VA certifications, processing and monitoring Indiana grant programs, SAP and other functions required for implementation of financial aid programs.

Some evenings and weekends may be required as needed but are minimal. Other duties assigned, but not limited:

Essential Job Duties:

• Process federal/state aid including, importing/exporting files using the required software from the Dept. of Education, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Anthology.
• Assist in the processing and compliance of financial aid for all SMWC programs. Including knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies, rules and regulations for all functions of the financial aid process.
• Counsel students and families regarding the financial aid process and financial literacy.
• Packaging financial aid for all programs and knowledge of packaging processes including verification, loan certifications, revisions and athletic awards.
• Maintenance of all financial aid student records.
• Knowledge and assisting in the processing of Veterans benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, outside agency payments and study abroad.
• Knowledge and assisting in the processing of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each term and academic year.
• Work collaboratively with all campus offices to ensure compliance and support annual recruitment/retention goals.
• Attend and perform presentations at events and community outreach.
• Manage department’s general email and phone.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Other Job Duties/Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (working with Excel and spreadsheets are a must), Outlook and experience using Populi products are a plus.
• Strong ethical and moral character.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work in a multi-tasked, goal oriented and deadline driven environment.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and as a member of an integrated team.

Supervision:

Will supervise student workers.

• Required
  • Comfortable working in changing regulatory environments.
  • Comfortable working in a team environment, with some level of autonomy and high professional accountability.
  • Cannot be in default of any federal grants or loans.
  • Knowledge of Word and Excel.
  • Must be organized and can multitask.
• Preferred
  • Associates or bachelor's. However, 1-2 years Financial Aid or work-related experience.
  • 3-5 years of relevant professional office experience, financial aid or higher education experience preferred.
  • It is recommended the counselor become a SCO (School Certifying Official) with the Department of Veteran's Affairs.