Description

The Financial Aid Counselor welcomes students, parents, and visitors when they visit or  engage with the office. This position involves significant interaction with students and  parents. This position provides financial aid counseling services to students and parents  regarding all aspects of the financial aid process. This position handles inbound and  outbound calls, office emails, schedule appointments and assists students with  completing the FAFSA and other financial aid forms, makes necessary referrals to other  student service offices, resolves conflicting information and C-Flags issues, and  provides general office support. The role of Financial Aid Counselor is a critical  component to the overall student experience at Stillman College.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES•    Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents both in person and over  the phone throughout the students’ academic career at Stillman College.  •    Counsel and advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures,  aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning  and individualizes information to the particular needs and situations of the  students.  •    Provide good customer service by responding to students' and parents' inquiries  accurately and in a timely manner. Contact student to clarify questions or to  request additional information. Provide extended office coverage and support  during peak service periods to meet increased demand for financial aid  counseling. •    Collect information to resolve verification, C-Flags and conflicting information  issues.  •    Awarding and disbursement financial aid funds based on federal, state, and  institutional policy.  •    Contact students to clarify questions or to request additional information.  •    Review incoming documents. Process incoming and outgoing mail.  •    Manage Front Desk and office Work-Study Students.  •    Maintain office supply inventory and manage supply room. Keep lobby, supply  room, privacy rooms, conference room and front desk clean and orderly.  •    Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance  counselors and college constituents.  •    Maintain a working knowledge of all federal, state, and college programs  administered by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Keep abreast of all  changes in federal, state, and college laws, rules and regulations by reading aid  literature and attending various training sessions.  •    Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights,  orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, etc.•    Manage and reconcile assigned aid programs.  •    Participate in the development of institutional financial aid policies and procedures  that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.  Attends workshops and conferences requiring out-of-town travel.  Performs other related duties as assigned by Director or Assistant Director to  support the mission of the college. SUPERVISION Works under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid  and Assistant Director of Financial Aid.  ATTENDANCE Individuals in this position are expected to be generally available  during the normal business day throughout the calendar year, and occasionally as  needed on evenings and weekends. During peak periods, including but not limited to  new student orientation, registration, and the start of each semester, staff are expected  to work extended hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to  meet increased student and parent demand. Advance notice will be given when  possible.  WORKING CONDITIONS Conditions are generally those of a typical office  environment, requiring frequent online and oral communication with students and office  colleagues, and occasionally with subject matter experts from the federal and state  governments and other colleges. Individuals must have the ability to enter data and  written communications in electronic format on time and to occasionally participate in  public presentations. Occasional evening travel on rural roads under winter conditions  may be necessary.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS •    Bachelor's degree required and two year of experience at an institution of higher  education focusing on financial aid and/or student counseling OR Associate  degree with five years of experience at an institution of higher education focusing  on financial aid and/or student counseling.  •    At least two years of experience with Ellucian Colleague or Banner.  •    Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal and written).  •    This position involves significant interaction with students and parents. Ability to counsel, advise, disseminate financial aid information, educate staff and  administration, make referrals for students and staff over a wide range of subjects  relating to the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, navigating through  college-wide administration, with good communication skills while utilizing  professionalism and confidentiality.  •    Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary, along with the  ability to multitask effectively.•    Ability to work with multiple projects simultaneously and use independent  judgment.  •    Strong motivational skills to create a positive and engaging work environment with  a focus on customer service.  •    Able to counsel and handle difficult situations with sensitivity and responsiveness  to student needs.  •    Strong ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments  and projects in a timely manner with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize  and collaborate among staff and management.  JOB DIMENSIONS  Knowledge of work, planning, and organizing, self-reliance,  sensitivity, attention to detail, work standards, initiative, stress tolerance,  technical/professional self-development, analysis, judgment, commitment to the  College, teamwork, dependability, communication  Equal Employment Opportunity Stillman College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a  professional workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment  decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and College policies.