Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist with overall management of financial aid programs including federal and state grants, loans and other aid programs including
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Direct Stafford Loan Program
  • Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)
  • Georgia HOPE Scholarship & Zell Miller Scholarship
  • Scholarships – Thomas University, internal and external
  • Other sources of financial aid

• Make all financial aid management decisions in absence of Financial Aid Director.
• Assist in coordination of fiscal operation of student financial aid programs with the Business Office.
• Assist students with completing the FAFSA, Direct Loan Entrance Counseling, and other required financial aid documents.
• Correspond with prospective, current, and former students via in-person office visits, phone, mail or email.
• Counsel current and prospective students, as well as parents, regarding financial aid resources and applications.
• Evaluate financial aid applications and supporting documents to determine student eligibility.
• Conduct verification process for students selected for verification.
• Certify and process student loans (federal and private).
• Request federal and state financial aid funds.
• Oversee the Default Management Program
• Create and maintain a file for each veteran containing all appropriate documentation.
• Counsel students contemplating withdraw and the possible effects on financial aid eligibility and student debt.
• Reconcile financial aid data each semester for all financial aid programs.
• Assist in compiling data and creating reports for internal and external sources.
• Serve on the institutional Admissions Committee.
• Package financial aid awards.
• Electronically send/receive Pell and Direct Loan origination and disbursement records.
• Research external scholarships for inclusion on the Thomas University website.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records.
• Participate in professional training opportunities as provided.
• Be available for occasional evening or weekend assignment due to work-related travel or special events.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working at a college/university preferably in financial aid and with First Generation population as well as Adult Learners.
• Understanding of financial aid awarding and title IV eligibility for undergraduate and graduate students, the verification process and Cost of Attendance components.
• Knowledge of Title IV federal regulations.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office specifically Access, Excel and Word.
• Experience with Higher Education software platforms desired; knowledge of CAMS and CampusLogic preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial environment.  A “collegial” environment not only includes the physical campus, but also extends to working effectively in like manner from home.  That is, this individual must be able to perform equally at home or on campus in every venue of duty and responsibility.