Financial Aid Counselor

About the Opportunity

Cedar Crest College seeks a full-time Financial Aid Counselors responsible for evaluating financial aid eligibility and awarding financial aid packages for students while ensuring that the College remains in compliance with state, federal and institutional polices and regulations with financial aid.

The Counselor is responsible for counseling current and new students & families while assisting them through the financial aid and billing process. The Counselor will complete verification, assess students who may have unusual or special circumstances using professional judgement, assist with the collection, management, and reporting of data, prepare routine and non-routine reports and may make recommendations regarding the data management systems and procedures. The Counselor will also assist in the research and review of regulations, policies and process assessments related to financial aid.

Key Responsibilities

Essential:

• Meets with current and prospective students and families to provide financial aid information and assistance.

• Performs need analysis and packages financial aid for SAGE students, including generation of award letters and other pertinent information for students. Is responsible for assuring compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations.

• Calculates and processes return of Title IV funds for Traditional and SAGE students.

• Administers the Pennsylvania State Grant Program including the two additional programs Distance Education and Ready to Succeed, as well as other special programs administered through PHEAA, including submitting enrollment, cost, and other information, awarding to eligible students, and reconciling state and college records.

• Administers the PHEAA IAG program, reviewing and processing the report to get the funds based of student population. We look at PT versus FT.

• Monitors academic progress for SAGE students.

• Responds to inquiries from new and current students on all aspects of aid and billing.

• Administers OVR Program, including completing initial request, verifying authorization and check amounts, and follow-up as needed

• Administer State Work Study program, identification and setup of eligible students for PHEAA reporting. Time/pay entry and reconciliation.

• Handles the Newcombe Scholarship Endowed and Restricted funds in awarding these funds out the students, includes requesting and reviewing scholarship applications.

• Works closely with the Director to identify problems and issues, review and improve office procedures, and adjust areas of responsibility to provide the best service and most efficient workflow.

Marginal:

• Performs other duties as required to support departmental needs.

• Attends workshops and seminars to remain up to date on new regulations, products, and policies.

• Updates and/or creates forms, brochures, and other informational documents and notices.

• Responsible for special projects as assigned.

• Available to attend Admissions Open Houses, financial aid presentations, orientations, or other college events and functions as needed.