Financial Assistance Counselor

Job Description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor serves as a key member of the Office of Financial Assistance, responsible for administering financial aid programs and providing excellent customer service to current and prospective students. This role includes counseling students and families on available financial aid options, processing federal, state, and institutional aid, and managing a caseload. The Counselor also contributes to compliance and outreach efforts, supports office operations, and supervises student employees. In addition, the candidate works in the Hornet Hub and is cross-trained with information related to Admissions and Student Success, enabling them to provide comprehensive support to students across multiple areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and analyze Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) for accuracy and completeness; determine student eligibility and package financial aid accordingly.
• Administer and process various forms of financial aid including, but not limited to, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and institutional scholarships.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned group of students; provide guidance throughout the financial aid process via in-person, phone, email, and virtual communications.
• Provide front-line customer service by greeting students and visitors, answering questions, and assisting with completion of financial aid-related documents such as the FAFSA, Master Promissory Notes, and Entrance Counseling.
• Generate, update, and distribute student correspondence; prepare bulk communications using mail merge for email and print campaigns.
• Assist with verification processes by collecting and reviewing documentation and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Monitor and manage office supplies and operational needs; maintain inventory and submit orders as needed.
• Organize and maintain physical and digital student files in accordance with records management policies and audit requirements.
• Supervise and mentor Federal Work-Study student employees, ensuring adherence to office protocols and professional development.
• Collaborate with the Director and Financial Aid team to support special projects, events, and student outreach initiatives.
• Maintain and update content for the Office of Financial Assistance website as directed.
• Stay current with federal and state regulations and institutional policies affecting student aid eligibility and processing.

Note: Duties may be subject to change based on departmental needs and priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in financial aid or a closely related field, preferably within higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal student aid regulations and programs.
• Experience using student information systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner) and financial aid software.
• Strong understanding of FERPA and confidentiality standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to learn new technologies.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data processing.
• Commitment to student success and customer service excellence.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., boxes of supplies or files).

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.