Financial Aid Counselor

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES :

Counseling - 50%

Provides daily counseling via phone, email, virtual and in-person appointments to both prospective and continuing students / families on concepts and financial literacy throughout the financial aid process each year (application, awarding, disbursement, refund).

Communicates and explains complex concepts when counseling and guides families throughout the financial aid process, contributing to overall recruitment and retention of students to the college.

Is self-sufficient in finding answers or solutions to assist students and families with their financial aid needs.

Works closely with the Student Accounts Office and Student Records Office to counsel on resolving student balances and registration issues.

Partners with the Admissions Office to review student applicants’ financial need to assist with recruitment and enrollment.

Works closely with Departments across the College and serves as a Financial Aid expert to others, ensuring compliance with federal, state, local and institutional regulations.

Presents financial aid workshops and financial aid literacy information to prospective students and their parents, both virtually and in-person.

Provides frontline support for the Student Services Office, providing drop-in financial aid counseling and general information or forms pertaining to Student Records, Student Accounts, Housing / Dining and Academic Advising.

Operational - 45%

Participates in training seminars, conferences and committee meetings in order to maintain current on all federal Title IV, state and institutional financial aid rules and regulations.

Works independently in the administration, awarding and reconciliation of one or more of the following programs : Federal and Private Loan Programs, Pell Grant Program, Cal Grant Programs, Named and Endowed Awards, or, Federal and Institutional Work-Study programs;

including keeping up to date on requirements and regulations, training of staff and serving as a resource for others.

Performs award packaging using federal and institutional need analysis. Reviews financial aid files performing verification of data;

resolves discrepancies and items needing clarification. Submits data for reprocessing and performs any necessary documentation and follow-up.

Responsible for running and working weekly reports, including system reaction reviews and quality control reviews for required documents submitted to a student file.

Under the direction of Financial Aid Management, works with HR and Payroll to maintain proper hiring and compensation practices for the federal work-study program.

Exercises decision making authority to change or adjust financial aid awards to students / applicants with special or unusual circumstances.

Other - 5%

Other duties as assigned by Leadership of Financial Aid.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

• At least 1 year of experience in a financial aid office or a higher education setting; knowledge of Federal Title IV and state financial aid requirements;
• familiarity with needs analysis methodology, application, and verification process; knowledge of financial aid software and tools, including CSAC Web Grants, NSLDS;

experience with integrated student information systems (Workday). Strong preference for Bilingual speakers.

Computer proficiency a must, i.e. PC Windows applications : MS Excel, Word. Must demonstrate attention to detail, working with a high degree of accuracy, strong organizational skills, strong record keeping skills, and the ability to articulate and disseminate complex information to multiple audiences.

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills are a must.

Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

The ability to multi-task with a high level of efficiency and adjust to varying assignments and workloads is a plus.

Demonstrate ability to work independently and self-initiate general responsibilities, but also work in a team environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS :

The range for the position is $28 - $29.23 / hour.

POSITION DETAILS :

CCA considers a full-time work week to be 37.5 hours per week

Work Mode : Campus Hybrid

This position is covered under the staff union collective bargaining agreement and will be required to contribute to union dues / agency fees.

Schedule : Mon - Fri 9am-5pm

Location

San Francisco

FLSA

Non-Exempt