Financial Aid Counselor

Position: *Financial Aid Counselor
The Financial Aid Department is recruiting for one Financial Aid Counselor.  Under the guidance of the Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid by serving as the primary lead in the coordination of communication and student service efforts in the delivery of financial aid related information to prospective and current students, leading outreach, and providing excellent customer service to students for Victoria College.

This position advises students and their families on matters concerning financial aid eligibility, cost of attendance, debt management, and financial literacy. This position conducts verifications, uses professional judgment on student requests and overrides, and reviews SAP and federal, state, and/or other aid eligibility.

Guidance and Counseling

* Meet with current and prospective students and parents to assist with understanding their financial aid options and eligibility. Utilize Banner, COD, NSLDS, FAFSA Partner Portal, and other online applications as needed to research and determine aid eligibility.

* Counsel virtual or walk-in visitors, answering phone calls, emails and chats by providing information regarding federal, state institutional and departmental regulations covering all federal financial aid, scholarship information, account information, etc.

* Provide excellent customer service by responding to student and parent email and/or phone inquiries in a timely manner to provide clarification on questions and documents needed.

* Counsel students by explaining procedures required to complete all steps in the financial aid process, including completing the FAFSA, accepting loans, completing Entrance/Exit Counseling, signing the MPN, requesting SAP Appeals, etc.

* Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process. Assist with running the SAP processes in Banner after each semester.

* On a rotating basis, serve as the front desk representative responsible for greeting walk-in students, addressing financial aid concerns and responding to student emails.

* Identify the source of complex financial aid issues, determining the appropriate course of action to provide an effective solution, and ensuring follow-through to resolution in a timely manner.

* Review and render a decision on requests for professional judgment relating to changes in FAFSA data elements, dependency override requests, and special circumstances.

Financial Literacy Outreach & Communications

* Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, etc. Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and college constituents.

* Participates in public speaking engagements on campus, at college fairs, high schools, financial aid nights, community groups, and other similar forums.

* Coordinates, develops, and implements communication and outreach campaigns designed to raise awareness of Financial Aid programs and services offered to students in collaboration with Victoria College's Marketing and Communication teams.

* Collaborate with other departments across the college in committees, meetings, and efforts to better serve our students as needed.

* Co-leads in the development of the financial aid outreach program to include scheduling seminars and workshops, facilities, presenters, and promoting of the events.

* Co-leads in the preparation of and presents information regarding financial aid opportunities for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, and recruitment sessions

Financial Aid Data Analytics, Reporting, Compliance, and Technical Support

* Assist in financial aid processing by evaluating financial aid applications, perform verifications, and award financial aid based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies. Maintains meticulous accuracy and thoroughness in aid file documentation

* Collects and analyzes financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, institutional, and/or donor…