Financial Aid Counselor

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

* Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.

* The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.

* Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed - the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.

* In the "My Experience" section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note:

If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Review, interpret and implement Federal Title IV and State Student Assistance Authority regulations to ensure compliance.

● Review and process federal verification documentation for selected FAFSA applicants.

● Evaluate tax transcripts, W-2s, household information, and other required documents to resolve

conflicting information.

● Update student ISIR data and repackage financial aid as needed.

● Review C-Flags and eligibility for students who did not complete academic engagement

● Communicate with students clearly and professionally regarding verification status and required

documents.

● Monitor and evaluate SAP at the end of each academic year.

● Review SAP appeals and supporting timely to render a decision.

● Ensure consistent application of SAP policies and compliance with federal guidelines.

● Review requests for special circumstances (e.g., loss of income, unusual expenses) and process aid adjustments per federal regulations.

● Evaluate and decide on dependency override requests using professional judgment and institutional policy.

● Maintain complete documentation for all professional judgment cases in accordance with audit

standards.

● Counsel/Notify students on the eligibility statues, appeal process, documentation requirements, and outcomes.

● Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families regarding eligibility, appeals, SAP, and aid adjustments.

● Assist with financial literacy and outreach programs as needed.

● Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in person in a timely and courteous manner.

● Stay informed about federal and state regulations affecting financial aid eligibility.

● Assist in developing internal procedures for verification, SAP, and appeals.

● Ensure all decisions and communications are documented in compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies.

● Communicate effectively with Red Hawk Central and respond to escalated SNOW tickets timely.

● Participates in University events (admitted student day, open house, orientation, etc.

● Perform other duties as assigned.

● Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

● Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

● Minimum two years' experience working in operational support of financial aid processing

preferably with Banner or Workday.

● Experience with report generation, preferably in COGNOS.

● Knowledge of State and Federal regulations affecting financial aid.

● Experience supporting Federal grants, State grants, Private and Direct Lending process.

PREFERRED:

● Prior experience in handling professional judgement request or appeals

● Familiarity with institutional and third-party study abroad programs

● Proficiency in Spanish

● Experience with state grant systems

● NASFAA credentials.

Salary Range

$63,833.23-$79,804.49 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity,…