Bethune-Cookman University   Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor Reporting Structure:  Student Financial Aid Office Division: Financial Aid   Job Summary:  A liaison University in regards to financial aid matters; manage, assist with, and communicate the financial aid process, rules, and regulations to students and parents that govern awards.   Duties/Responsibilities:

• Counselors are responsible for projects: SAP, Professional Judgment, Graduates, and Return of Funds.
• Counsel prospective and currently enrolled students in financial aid matters, completing applications, etc.
• Evaluate in a consistent manner a family’s ability to finance a college education.
•  Evaluate student’s applications for financial aid and determine awards or award adjustments in compliance with eligibility requirements stated in federal and state regulations.
• Communicate with students and parents on questions they may have concerning aid programs, application procedures, availability of aid, eligibility requirements, awarded amounts, financial aid status, loans, etc., using quality customer service principles, techniques, and standards.
• Determine student academic eligibility for assistance by applying standards of progress requirements in accordance with federal and state regulations and college degree program requirements.
• Interpret financial data submitted by students and families in order to determine the level of student financial need in relation to program guidelines.  Resolve any inconsistent data on student aid applications and verification documents in compliance with Federal Student Aid Verification Requirements.
• Determine, when necessary, the changing of a student’s dependency status and level of financial need supported with proper documentation, and interpret for students and families how the financial aid process works and how determinations for financial need are made.
• Attend scheduled financial aid workshops for training and updating on new programs, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all federal, state, and institutional student aid regulations and related office procedures and policies, and perform other duties as required or complete special projects as assigned.
• Adhere to deadline, policies and procedures; and any of the duties as assigned by the directors.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 1 year experience preferred; or 6 months recent experience and knowledge of student financial aid processing, and federal policies and legislation related to student financial aid
•  A strong commitment to high quality customer service required
• Good verbal and written communications skills required; ability work with a team effort concept
• Familiarity with automated office systems preferred
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite
• Skills needed for general office procedures and equipment operation and a professional telephone voice
• Ability to multi-task and display a wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Ability to interact with other customer service departments – Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Accounts Payable and Purchasing       

  Education and Experience:

• 2-year degree or equivalent; and or 1+ years recent experience and knowledge of student financial aid processing, and federal policies and legislation related to student financial aid
• Good oral and written communications skills

    The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, retaliation, marital status, religion or disability, or any other applicable local, state or federal regulation. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity and Title IX matters should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 386-481-2049.   The university reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in its' attempts to improve the operations of the university.