Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor
Angola, Indiana

 

Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid, and will assist in all areas of financial aid to include Title IV programs (Direct Loans, Pell, TEACH etc.), State Grants, institutional programs, and all other aid as it relates to the financial aid program. The Financial Aid Counselor also handles day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid that are outlined below.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Financial Aid Counselor works and contributes through a team-oriented approach to collaborate with the Director of Financial Aid in the overall planning and operations of Trine’s financial aid programs, including Financial Aid Planning, application and FAFSA processing, advising, policy and communication development, all direct and private loan counseling, processing of private student loan applications, new and current student packaging and any other functions deemed necessary to the department. The Financial Aid Counselor handles day-to-day operations within the office to include reporting to COD, daily ISIR Processing, Title IV Grant programs and the DL Program. In addition to these responsibilities, the Counselor will work collaboratively with all areas within the University to enhance and support the financial aid programs; and assists the Director in planning, implementation and evaluation of all programs and efforts. Evening hours and weekends may be required as needed, but are minimal. Other duties as assigned by the Director are not limited to the following:

  • Counsel students and their families on financial aid processes and procedures, including making presentations for orientations, open houses, campus visits etc.
  • Familiarity, assessment, compliance and communication to the appropriate University officers of federal and state financial aid compliance related issues/policies.
  • Financial Aid packaging to include – Verifications, Loan Certifications- Revisions and all other packaging processes related to Financial Aid
  • Ensure federal & state guidelines for student enrollment and financial aid eligibility are met
  • Assist with review process for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of every academic term
  • Perform student “Needs Analysis”
  • Review student files to ensure accurate funding
  • Counsel students to determine financial aid needs /options
  • Ensure compliance with federal & state policies
  • Interact with outside agencies including the DOE and loan processing companies
  • Inventory of materials and print pieces
  • Website review and maintenance
  • Provide direct customer support by routinely visiting with students during new student orientation and preview days and any other times that a student needs financial assistance.
  • Answer questions as they arise from students and their families about the financial aid process by phone call, email or in person
  • Keep students engaged with the University and supports retention, communication, and academic rehabilitation.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have an appreciation for the value of a liberal arts and sciences education, a valid driver’s license, enthusiasm for and ability to do minimal traveling, experience and skill working with computers and software programs (e.g. PowerFaids, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Jenzebar/EX, Slate etc.), and be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The individual should be self-motivated and have the ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines required. This position requires an individual to exhibit strong organizational skills and be detail oriented. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

Prefer Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and two or more years of successful financial aid/advising or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

Trine University offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Benefits offered include:

  • Health – medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, flex spending or HSA accounts
  • Retirement – after one year of full-time service you are eligible for employer contribution of 5% and up to an additional 5% employer match
  • Life Insurance – a variety of voluntary life options are available along with employee life insurance (1½ times annual salary)
  • Education – after 6 months of full-time service education benefits are available for employee, spouse, and dependent children
  • Vacation and Sick Pay – in accordance with Trine's policy

Salary

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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Trine University is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, unless such basis constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification.  Trine will comply with its legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs.