Financial Aid Counselor
The University of Olivet is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Financial Aid Counselor to join our team and contribute to the success of our students. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference by guiding students and families through the financial aid process, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to achieve their educational goals.
The University of Olivet is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.
Why Join The University of Olivet?
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- A supportive, student-focused environment committed to academic excellence and community engagement.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
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If you are passionate about helping students navigate their educational journey and believe in the transformative power of higher education, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
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- Counsels students and families on financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes.
- Reviews and processes financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Awards and packages financial aid in accordance with institutional policies.
- Maintains accurate records and documentation for audits and reporting.
- Collaborates with other campus departments to support student retention and success.
- Conducts workshops and presentations on financial literacy and aid opportunities.
- Stays current on financial aid regulations and best practices through training and professional development.
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Qualifications:
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- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
- Experience in financial aid, higher education, or a customer service role preferred.
- Familiarity with financial aid software (e.g., PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, Ellucian Colleague, Banner, or similar systems) is a plus.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to providing excellent service to a diverse student population.
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Compensation:
This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position with a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package; including generous paid holiday and leave time. Tuition programs available.
Application Process:
Review of applications will begin immediately. Click thie application link, then select this position title to review the position details. Then click on the “Apply” button to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three references.
Additional Position details follow.
Responsibilities
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- Provides financial aid comprehensive counseling to students and families regarding all aspects of the financial aid process, which include assistance in identifying options for covering out-of-pocket balances.
- Conducts needs analysis in compliance with federal, state and institutional criteria to determine eligibility of each financial aid applicant.
- Conducts verification of student and parent application data in compliance with federal criteria.
- Determines the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded through the packaging process according to federal, state and institutional requirements. Monitors individual student awards. Resolves data conflicts and over awards.
- Utilizes professional judgment to adjust a student's eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal statutes.
- Makes necessary referrals to other Student Services personnel.
- Performs Transfer Monitoring for The University of Olivet.
- Manages the verification and awarding of the Michigan Tuition Grant awards.
- Participates in the development of institutional financial aid policies that will positively impact efficiency and quality of service provided.
- Maintains appropriate documentation via data entry system.
- Performs R2T4 calculations and counsel students/parents of outcome.
- Participates in training and professional development opportunities to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
- Participates in presentations and training workshops such as high school presentations, exit counseling, admissions training, etc.
- Assists with new and transfer orientations.
- Determines student eligibility for the Federal Work Study [FWS] program
- Supervises student workers in the Student Services office.
- Downloads ISIRS to financial aid software daily.
- Prepares and mails missing document letters.
- Prepares and mails financial aid award letter packets.
- Performs transfer monitoring for college.
- Manages awarding of convocation and donor scholarships.
- Sets up and manages student book vouchers each semester.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Accountabilities
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- Maintains working knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs and supporting regulations.
- Provides regular reporting and analysis to the Director of Financial Aid as requested and required.
- Develops and distributes printed information regarding financial aid.
- Prioritizes and manages a significant caseload.
- Maintains the policy and procedures manual at the direction of the Director of Financial Aid.
- Maintains relationships with professional financial aid organizations.
- Attends professional development activities as approved by the Director of Financial Aid.
- Maintains working relationships with all departments on campus and off-campus employment site personnel.
- Develops processes which will support and improve current procedures for financial aid awarding.
- Performs duties in a diverse, challenging and occasionally stressful environment.