FranU Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

Financial Aid Counselor

FranU

Baton Rouge, La

The Financial Aid Counselor is a professional position reporting to the Director of Financial Aid in a fast-paced office, serving approximately 1300 students. The Financial Aid Counselor evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations. The Financial Aid Counselor advises prospective, admitted, and enrolled students and parents regarding various federal, state and institutional programs such as Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Work Study, Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), as well as institutional scholarships in accordance with FranU's mission.

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Responsibilities

JOB RESPONSBILITIES

* Mission Alignment

* Actively engages the Catholic and Franciscan mission and identity of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University by modeling the Franciscan values, honoring the legacy of the founding congregation, promoting justice for the communities we serve, and integrating the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions in programs, courses and services

* Student and Family Advising

* Independently assess student and family needs, exercising professional judgment to communicate tailored Financial Aid recommendations aligned with institutional policies

* Provide personalized Financial Aid counseling to students and families, addressing complex financial scenarios and supporting college financial planning

* Advocacy and Student Support

* Make appropriate referrals to other student services, federal/state agencies, or loan servicers, as necessary

* Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Outreach

* Develop and oversee proactive communication about FASFA filing, deadlines, and essential Financial Aid updates to students and families

* Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

* Monitor and evaluate students' SAP, counseling students on compliance, appeals, and retention strategies

* Application and Award Management

* Process, verify, and accurately award Financial Aid Packages for admitted and enrolled students

* Revise aid packages, as necessary, and manage related compliance and reporting activities

* Assist with TOPS and Go Grant Administration

* Administer billing, grade reporting, and compliance oversight for the state's TOPS and Go Grant Programs

* Assist with institutional scholarship awarding and administration

* Oversee institutional scholarship administration, including eligibility monitoring and professional judgment reviews

* Represent the University

* Represent the Office of Financial Aid at University events and functions, maintaining knowledge of relevant federal and state Financial Aid regulations

* Other Duties as Assigned

* Perform other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE

* At least two (2) years of prior Financial Aid experience

EDUCATION

* Bachelor's Degree

SPECIAL SKILLS

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

* Detail oriented