Senior Financial Aid Counselor at InsideHigherEd

Position Title:Senior Financial Aid CounselorUnit/Division:Finance and FacilitiesLocation:WVSOM Main Campus, Lewisburg, WVScheduled Hours Per Week:37.5 hoursFLSA Status:ExemptJob Description Summary:Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Senior Financial Aid Counselor at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid and providing excellent customer service to a diverse population of students. This individual independently manages and executes the full scope of financial aid operations and requires a high level of expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies. The Senior Officer will serve as a strategic resource for the institution, ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and providing exceptional service to students.This is a full-time non-classified position and is non-exempt from FLSA provisions regarding overtime (overtime eligible). Minimum base salary is $50,000, commensurate with education and experience, with full state benefits. This position has been designated as Essential. This means that when WVSOM is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at WVSOM.The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.Minimum Education:Bachelor'sSkills Required:A combination of recent and relevant education and experience may also be considered for this position.Education and Experience Successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or relatedRecent and related experience in Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Financial Services, etc.; 4 YearsExperience in higher education strongly preferred.Strong presentation and interpersonal skills Skills RequiredBackground in higher education and the financial aid process in a college or university setting;Knowledge of or ability to interpret, understand and apply federal and state financial aid regulations, along with institutional policies and procedures, in order to assist with student financial aid programs and initiatives while using professional judgment.Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality as this position works with student financial records on a daily basis.Familiarity/experience working with sensitive personal information, including FERPA.Skills in formulating policies and procedures.Demonstrate interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse group of applicants and students to maintain a high level of excellence in customer service.Solid familiarity with the operation of a personal computer using varied software programs, specifically Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, BANNER and document imaging. Other Federal software programs for loan processes knowledge is essential.Ability to multitask keeping project deadlines in mind.Independent worker with the ability to use professional judgment.Strong mathematical and financial skills including problem solving and analytical abilities.Demonstrated oral and written skills, including prior presentation experience.Serve as the lead expert on private loan programs. Help students navigate loan options, resolve credit-related issues, and ensure compliance with financial aid regulations.Develop and deliver presentations on financial aid programs, community events, and college events.Duties and Responsibilities:Independently oversee all aspects of financial aid processing, including file review, needs analysis, packaging, and return of funds.Serve as the institutional expert on federal and state financial aid regulations, ensuring full compliance and timely updates to policies and procedures.Manage electronic processing and transmission of federal funds using Ellucian Banner 9 and COD systems.Lead financial aid counseling efforts, providing advanced guidance to students on FAFSA completion, budgeting, loan management, and scholarship opportunities.Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve financial aid operations and student support services.Conduct complex verification of federal financial aid application data in accordance with federal regulations.Analyze fund utilization, applicant trends, and forecast future programming needs to support institutional planning.Formulate and revise institutional policies and procedures related to financial aid, ensuring alignment with regulatory changes and best practices.Identify and resolve complex issues related to student aid using professional judgment and available resources.Represent the Office of Financial Aid in cross-departmental committees and external professional organizations.Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure compliance with FERPA and other privacy regulations.Other duties as assigned.Special Instructions:WVSOM requires official transcripts of your highest degree earned and/or the degree in which qualifies you for the position. WVSOM requires these transcripts prior to an offer of employment, and we do recommend you send those to WVSOM once you have been selected for an interview. A transcript is official if it bears the authorizing signature and the official seal of the issuing institution and is sent directly by the school or college to the Office of Human Resources. Should your college or university provide this information electronically, we would ask that you submit that to Sherri Miller at [email protected] Link to Posting:https://careers.wvsom.edu/postings/3421