A Financial Aid Counselor or Specialist provides information and assistance to students and families, including information on student loans and other sources of financial aid. Leads group presentations or provides individual counseling and assistance with the application process; may also solicit and review applications for specific scholarships.
Office of Financial Aid Morris Brown College • Atlanta, Georgia
OVERVIEW
Morris Brown College seeks a dynamic, highly skilled Financial Aid Counselor to join the Office of Financial Aid. The successful candidate will provide guidance to students, parents, and prospective students regarding financial aid and other pertinent financial counseling; help the financial aid team surpass all expectations; make recommendations on awarding policies and procedures to meet College enrollment goals and compliance; and participate in various activities promoting professional development.
PRIMARY DUTIESRESPONSIBILITIES
The Financial Aid Counselor's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Serves as primary point of contact for current and prospective students Counsels and advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, and indebtedness Uses clear and understandable communication with students, parents, and potential students regarding financial aid counseling Assists students with estimating their educational expenses to calculate their needs for the year, and preparing a financial plan Oversees the packaging of federal grants, federal loans, and federal work-study Conducts verification review for selected students according to federal regulations Reviews and ensures student aid awards are accurate Notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercises judgment when interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations Assists the Director of Financial Aid in reviews and reports to ensure departmental compliance with regulations Maintains knowledge of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA Performs other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The Financial Aid Counselor must meet the following minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, with a focus in finance or counseling 1-3 years of financial aid experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSABILITIES
Exceptional customer service orientation Exceptional oral and written communication skills; able to communicate sensitive and/or complex information in a confidential and straightforward manner Proficient user of Microsoft Office and experienced in financial database systems High level of accuracy, self-motivation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle a heavy workload Familiarity with academic environment, policies, and procedures Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously Demonstrated service aptitude and ability to work independently as well as with students, parents, and colleagues Willingness to work additional hours when necessary
