Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in West Virginia

Location: Wheeling University, Wheeling, West Virginia, United States

Position Overview: We are currently seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Financial Aid Counselor to join our team. The Financial Aid Counselor will play a crucial role in assisting students and their families with navigating the financial aid process, ensuring that eligible students have access to the resources they need to pursue their educational goals.

Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and their families.
• Assist students in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other required forms.
• Evaluate financial aid eligibility based on federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Award financial aid packages and communicate with students regarding their awards, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
• Stay current on changes and updates to financial aid regulations and policies.
• Collaborate with other university departments to ensure a seamless financial aid process for students.
• Provide excellent customer service to students and families, addressing questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in financial aid (Preferred)
• Thorough understanding of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and policies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with students, families, and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems (Ellucian Colleague) is a plus.
• Familiarity with the unique needs and challenges of students from diverse backgrounds.