TITLE:    Financial Aid Counselor

DEPARTMENT:    Financial Aid Office

REPORTS TO:    Director of Financial Aid

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:    12 Month; Full-Time; Flexible Hours; Some Evenings and Saturdays

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:    The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing direct service to students and their families in regard to the financial aid process and advises them in all phases of the aid application and delivery system. Financial aid counselors are expected to exercise professional judgment and expertise in processing, awarding and adjusting awards. Counselors also represent the Financial Aid Office at a variety of on and off-site events including Open Houses, Orientation, etc.

DUTIES:

1. Counsels students and their families regarding financial aid programs, options and responsibilities; explains Federal, state and institutional funding sources and eligibility criteria, assists with the application procedure, explains policy to students, parents and other campus constituents; responds to phone calls, emails, and written requests in a timely and accurate manner

2. Calculates financial aid need assessments and determines applicant eligibility for all appropriate aid programs

3. Verifies, evaluates and interprets documents submitted by students for all Federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, initiates follow up with applicants for additional information as necessary

4. Conducts financial aid workshops and presentations at Orientation, Open Houses and similar events

5. Use professional judgment decisions on a case by case basis for students with exceptional financial circumstances

6. Preparing financial aid packages, including grants, loans, and scholarships as well as loan certification and scholarship eligibility

7. Responsible for coordinating the administration of one or more Federal or State financial aid program, including preparation and review of reports, monitoring expenditures and reconciling data

8. Provides the Director with timely and accurate documentation, information and status reports regarding all applicable phases of the financial aid operation, in accordance with reporting requirements established by the various funding sources

9. Assists in completion of all federal and state reports relating to financial aid, as assigned

10. Correspond with other departments, as necessary, to advocate for students or in regard to reconciling and maintaining financial aid funds

11. Participate with the Financial Aid team to develop and enhance office policy

12. Performs related duties/responsibilities assigned by the Director

REQUIREMENTS:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree is required

2. Knowledge of federal and state programs and regulations, eligibility criteria and need analysis formulae

3. Must have multi-tasking abilities and be able to process high volumes of work with accuracy

4. Must have excellent computer skills and be able to use financial aid and database management software effectively

5. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative as well as the capacity for self direction and self-correction

6. A strong commitment to customer service

7. Experience with, and commitment to, working with a diverse population

8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

9. Must be available to work at any UCC campus, and work flexible hours, as needed

If you are interested in the above job position, please email your resume with a cover letter (in WORD format) to HRJobs@ucc.edu and reference job #71-09 in the subject line of the email.

Union County College is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer committed to diversity.