Job Details

Location: Huntington, WV

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Campus

Department: Financial Aid Office

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor provides professional assistance to students and families in understanding and securing financial aid for educational expenses. This position is responsible for counseling students on federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs; managing aid processing according to regulations; and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and institutional policies. The counselor will work closely with other departments to support student retention and success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Student Counseling & Advising
• Provide individualized and group counseling sessions to students and families regarding financial aid options, eligibility, and requirements.
• Assist students with completing FAFSA, verification, loan counseling, and other aid applications.
• Explain financial aid award letters, cost of attendance, and budgeting strategies.
• Processing & Compliance
• Review and process financial aid applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform verification according to federal guidelines and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with Title IVState of West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate records in Campus Café (or current SIS) and Global Financial Aid systems.
• Awarding & Packaging
• Package financial aid awards within institutional guidelines and federal limits.
• Adjust aid packages as needed for enrollment changes, withdrawals, or appeals.
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to determine the impact on a student's aid package.
• Customer Service & Communication
• Respond promptly to student inquiries via phone, email, and in-person appointments.
• Conduct workshops and presentations on financial literacy and aid processes.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Academic offices to ensure smooth student experience.
• Reporting & Auditing
• Assist with preparation of federal, state, and institutional reports.
• Participate in audits and maintain compliance documentation.
• Generate reports for admissions and retention initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree is preferred in Business, Education, Finance, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience in financial aid, student services, or related area.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV programs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and student information systems (experience with Campus Café preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a quarter-based academic calendar environment.
• Familiarity with Global Financial Aid (GFA) reporting tools.

Work Schedule & Environment

• Standard office hours with occasional evenings or weekends during peak periods (start of quarters, FAFSA deadlines).
• On-campus position with frequent student interaction.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, retirement, tuition assistance, and paid time off.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Michelle Leonard at ...@ameritas.edu.