Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Department: Financial Aid

Title of Manager/Supervisor: Director of Financial Aid

Range: 19.00- 22.00 salary based on experience

Position Summary Guidelines:

Within the framework of a team-oriented Student Achievement Services center and reporting to the
Director of Financial Aid, this position is both a generalist and specialist. As a generalist, the
position has student caseload management responsibilities. As a specialist, this position is
responsible for the overall administration of financial aid application management, including but not
limited to ISIR file processing, federal verification, resolution of c-codes and subsequent ISIR and
suspense file management. As a specialist, this position is responsible for the overall management
of all aspects of the alternative education loan program including but not limited to awarding,
certification, loan management in ELM, file processing, and reconciliation. The position is also
responsible for ensuring the proper awarding and disbursement of NYS scholarships as certified by
the Certifying Officer and VSAC awards.

General Purpose:
This position works closely with the Director of Financial Aid and the entire financial aid team in all
areas of the financial aid assistance operation to develop and implement financial aid policies,
procedures, and initiatives which support the goals and objectives of the university and ensure
compliance with federal, state and university regulations. In addition to student caseload
responsibilities, this position has special emphasis on financial aid application processing, federal
and school selected verification, c-code resolution, and the administration of alternative education
loans.

Remote Work Days- This is a full time in-person position, with zero remote workdays.

Financial Aid Application Management

• Import and export data files using EDconnect daily
• Review and load suspended and subsequent ISIRs
• Assign verification and conflicting information checklists

Student Caseload Management

• Responsible for the overall financial aid management of a caseload of students as determined by an alphabetical split. Financial aid management includes independent decision making beginning with the receipt of the ISIR to initial packaging and follow-up as required in order to meet departmental goals and ensure compliance. The entire aid application process includes ISIR review, verification, resolution of c-codes and conflicting information, special circumstances and appeals processing (professional judgement), needs analysis, packaging, TAP eligibility determinations, and aid revisions. A general understanding of financial aid satisfactory academic progress policies and procedures is also required.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding federal, state, university aid programs and regulations.
• On an on-going basis throughout the year, evaluate eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid and revise aid packages based on changes in student status enrollment. After the 5 week mark this includes the freshman in addition to the upper class students.
• Review special circumstances appeals, using the team approach to make professional judgement determination in accordance with federal regulations and university policies, and re-calculate aid eligibility. Counsel students and parents with unusual circumstances about financial aid policies and aid eligibility.
• Interact daily with and counsel students and parents regarding financial aid issues.
• Work as an integrated team member with the other members of the financial aid staff and SAS specialists.

Additional Duties

• Prepare and review student files and documents for the A-133 federal audit and FISAP.
• Perform other related duties including special projects and research as needed.
• Act as liaison with other university departments regarding financial aid regulations, awarding and student concerns.

Essential Skills:

• Independent judgment, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proficient Computer Skills including Excel, Word and PeopleSoft.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse, integrated and dynamic team of professionals.
• Maintain an in depth knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations pertaining to all aspects of financial aid administration.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle a variety of tasks and sensitive issues while maintaining professional, collaborative, responsive, cooperative and polite demeanor.

Education:
Minimal Qualifications:

High School Diploma with 5 years of financial aid experience or related experience, or
Associate's Degree with 2-3 years financial aid, or related, experience, or
Bachelor's Degree with 0-1 years of financial aid, or related, experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with 1-3 years of experience in a financial aid or shared services office
Experience in PeopleSoft, ELM, EDconnect, NSLDS, FAA Access, and Excel is strongly preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to sit at a computer for extended period of time using a keyboard.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; bend and stoop. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The employee is expected to adhere to University policies.