Financial Aid Counselor; S03586

Financial Aid Counselor (S03586) Job Description

Montgomery College, Central Services in Rockville, MD has an immediate need for a full‑time Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Department. The incumbent will lead the Federal Work Study Program as well as award Title IV Aid.

The work schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. This is a non‑bargaining, non‑exempt, grade 27 position. For non‑exempt positions you are not eligible to work a secondary job at Montgomery College. The position is eligible for up to one telework day a week, subject to change based on unit needs.

The Financial Aid Counselor works under broad supervisory direction with some latitude for independent action. The position counsels prospective and current students and their family representatives regarding participation in federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, including eligibility, regulations, policies and procedures, through in‑person, phone, email, and Zoom conversations. This position evaluates applications and awards financial aid to students, as well as provides leadership for a specific financial aid process and program(s).

Work consists of planning, developing and performing activities pertaining to administrative and technical tasks related to financial aid programs. Duties are varied with a wide range of processes and methods relating to established policies and procedures. Interpretation of the Federal rules and regulations is required to respond appropriately to inquiries. Incumbents exercise independent judgment, comparing and evaluating courses of action and making decisions after the possibilities have been considered.

A comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations is needed to warrant independent decisions.

Contacts are with college faculty, staff, current and prospective students and family representatives, the general public, public school systems and external agencies.

• Counsel and advise students and family representatives regarding financial aid regulations, application policies and procedures, methods used to determine eligibility, specific program requirements and limits, disbursement and appeal procedures, requirements for continued eligibility, and related financial matters.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Title IV, to interpret rules and regulations as needed.
• Evaluate financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility.
• Award financial aid to eligible students using independent judgment and discretion to make determinations.
• Review appeals for exceptions and make determinations in accordance with state, federal and institutional policies governing financial aid.
• Develop processes and procedures and update others when appropriate.
• Adjust student budgets and awards accordingly.
• Maintain statistical data; review and assign reports as needed.
• May manage a file review caseload and/or coordinate, administer or lead a federal, state, institutional or operational program or task.
• May facilitate and/or participate in program‑specific or financial aid outreach activities.
• May be responsible for a specific college‑wide program.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five years of experience in a financial aid office.
• Customer service experience.
• The equivalent combination of education, training, certification or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered.
• Eligible applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States and not require employer visa sponsorship.

• Experience managing a student employment program.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, able to create, and maintain reports and pivot tables.
• Familiarity with current financial aid regulations, policies and procedures.

$31.69 – $41.19 per hour. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimum and midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this…