Bilingual Financial Aid Counselor

Position Summary The Bilingual Financial Aid Counselor is a front-facing customer service team member operating in a fast paced, cross-functional, student-focused environment.

This position is responsible for understanding, determining eligibility and awarding federal, state, and institutional funds.

The Bilingual Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for specialized tasks / projects and utilizes various application software programs and serves as a liaison between students / parents and other university personnel and related federal and state agencies.

In addition to counseling and programmatic responsibilities, the counselor will assist in the administration of all office duties, support university enrollment goals and functions, and assist with student success goals activities and strategies. Essential Duties

• Front line customer service financial aid counselor providing service to students and families.
• Analyzes and processes financial aid to determine aid eligibility and awards adhering to federal, state, donor and / or institutional guidelines.
• Requests additional information based on analysis and review when necessary.
• Performs verification to resolves award discrepancies.
• Notifies students of changes in aid eligibility.
• Uses information systems to input data, maintain databases, perform research for projects or inquiries and generates reports utilizing student data
• Timely selection and notification of recipients for specified programs.
• Addresses questions and requests from students, parents, or guardians in person or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Analyzes various system-generated reports such as grades and enrollment status or award status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines.
• Resolves financial aid issues / questions received through various venues; e-mail, texts, phone calls.
• Assists in reconciling federal, state or institutional financial aid programs to ensure compliance.
• Represents the University at on or off-campus events.
• Conducts FAFSA workshops and financial aid presentations.
• Adheres to FERPA policies.

Secondary Responsibilities Support Assistant / Associate / Director in projects, strategies and operations to ensure optimal office efficiencies.

of Direct Reports 0 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Previous financial aid or higher education experience.
• Working knowledge of financial aid systems such as Banner / Ellucian, NSLDS, PHEAA, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD).
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, awarding eligibility requirements and supporting regulations.
• Experience in critical thinking and problem solving. Must be analytical, detail oriented, highly motivated, independent thinker.
• Intermediate to advanced experience in basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with challenging situations in a diplomatic and calm manner, maintaining customer service orientation at all times
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, work in a collaborative environment, and under specific deadlines.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of La Salle University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of financial aid experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of ARGOS or Access database.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work with diverse students and families.

Physical Requirements and / or Unusual Work Hours

• Ability to work evenings and weekends during the year.
• Occasional travel to local high school financial aid events.
30+ days ago