The VWU Financial Aid Office is seeking a highly motivated and organized Financial Aid Counselor to join our team. This full-time position manages a caseload of students and provides assistance to students and their families as they proceed through the financial aid process. The Financial Aid Counselor advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs and financing options. Job functions include but are not limited to community outreach activities and some weekend and evening attendance at information sessions and student orientation programs. The Financial Aid Counselor must maintain a thorough working knowledge of all Federal Title IV, State, and institutional financial aid regulations, and is responsible for coordinating student jobs on campus for the University's Work and Learn Program.

Job purpose

• Provides support to the Financial Aid Office by counseling accepted applicants and current or former students (whether in person, by phone or by email) regarding the financial aid process, missing application information, financial planning, debt management etc.
• Oversees the University's FWS program.

Duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate student employment for Federal Work Study (FWS)
• Request and maintain, in conjunction with the Payroll Office, all necessary paperwork for FWS student employees.
• Counsel and advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money and management and financial planning; individualizes information to the particular needs and situation of the student.
• Answers questions, inquiries or request from students, parents, or guardians in person or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Collect and/or analyzes financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, donor and/or institutional guidelines.
• Award financial assistance from a variety of possible resources, create and maintain award letters.
• Transmit to and receive electronic funds and information from state, federal and local agencies such as: U.S. Department of Education, NSLDS and Pell payments.
• Analyze various system generated reports such as grades and enrollment status or award status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines; notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation.
• Interface with students and/or staff to resolve issues.
• Regularly attend state or regional seminars/webinars and training providing current information of the delivery of financial aid services.
• Supervise FA work study student(s) by determining priority and checking completed work for adherence to standard procedures.
• Perform general office support duties which may include: data entry, filing, answering telephones, scheduling appointments and composing/preparing correspondence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:A minimum of 1 year of related financial aid experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (Required)

Work Location: In person