Financial Aid Counselor- On-site North Carolina

We are seeking a dedicated and detail oriented Financial Aid Counselor to join our Student Financial Services team In this role you will work directly with current and prospective students and their families to guide them through the financial aid process evaluate eligibility and help create viable plans to finance their education The ideal candidate brings exemplary customer service skills clear communication and a strong understanding of financial aid programs Prior experience with Ellucian Colleague is strongly preferred

Student Counseling & Customer Service Conduct one on one appointments in person phone or virtual with students and families to discuss aid options answer questions regarding student billing and explain application procedures FAFSA loan applications verification and appeals Application Processing & Verification Review financial aid applications collect required documentation and complete federalstate verification to determine aid eligibility in accordance with institutional state and federal regulations Inquiry Resolution Manage incoming phone calls emails and walk in requests regarding financial aid and student accounts with high empathy efficiency and professionalism Awarding & File Maintenance Assist in awarding federal state and institutional grants scholarships and loans Maintain accurate student records in compliance with privacy guidelines FERPA Financial Literacy & Outreach Deliver clear information about privatefederal loan programs payment plans and debt management strategies to support student retention and financial wellness

Education Bachelors degree from an accredited institution Customer Service Proven track record of exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to navigate sensitive financial conversations with patience and empathy Financial Aid Knowledge Demonstrable understanding of federal and private loan programs grant programs and financial aid application processes processing or counseling background Communication Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively translate complex regulations into clear guidance for students Organization Excellent organizational analytical and time management skills with high attention to detail Preferred Qualifications ERP Systems Hands on experience using Ellucian Colleague Financial Aid module is a strong plus Document Management & CRM Experience with document processing platforms eg OnBase or CRM systems eg Salesforce