Financial Aid Counselor (Undergraduate)

Job Description: This position has a primary focus on the counseling and processing of financial aid, including all loan processing, for a segment of the University’s undergraduate population. The individual will counsel current and prospective students, as well as parents, through the financial aid process and be knowledgeable about various financing options. This position will assist in the recruiting efforts of the Enrollment Management Office by being knowledgeable about the admissions process and Arcadia programs and offerings and support retention efforts through outreach and support of currently enrolled students. The counselor will, in general, contribute to the planning and execution of Enrollment Management recruitment and retention efforts.

Essential Functions:

Financial Aid Counseling (35%): The FA Counselor will serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and current students and parents, providing accurate and timely information about a variety of financial aid topics in a professional and friendly manner. The FA Counselor will communicate with students and families over the phone, email and in person. This individual will counsel students and their families regarding financial aid eligibility, financial aid award packages, balance owed on the student’s account, how to set up payment plans, applying for additional loans and other payment options.

Financial Aid Processing (30%): The FA Counselor processes loans and performs federal verification within an assigned financial aid caseload. Processing duties also include reviewing student accounts to identify discrepancies with credit load, housing and budget, applying the utmost attention to detail. The FA counselor must be knowledgeable of federal and state guidelines and institutional policy.

Project Management (20%): The FA Counselor will be assigned to assist with 1-3 specific projects and must be able to organize tasks to reach the desired outcome at the appropriate time, monitor progress in projects and plans for changes or challenges. Communicates data updates and the status of projects as required, is well organized and manages assignments to their successful completion. Provides summary data and assessment for supervisor review. Examples of projects include: Honors Program Fulfillment Grant, Campus Visit Grant, Financial Aid Veteran’s Liaison.

Admissions Responsibilities (15%): The FA Counselor will be required to participate in weekend, evening and weekday on-campus recruiting events for undergraduate and graduate students including open houses, information sessions, receptions and Transfer Days.