Financial Aid Counselor

The Student Financial Services Office at Johnson University invites applications for the full-time position of Financial Aid Counselor on the Tennessee campus. Successful applicants must possess exceptional communication and customer service skills, a bachelor’s degree in an area with a focus on finance/accounting or counseling, 1-3 years of financial aid experience (preferred), and should understand and support the mission and core values of the University. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references via email to . Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

General Job Description

The individual must be a dynamic, highly skilled financial aid professional. The successful candidate will provide guidance to students, parents, and prospective students regarding financial aid and other pertinent financial counseling; help the financial aid team surpass all expectations; make recommendations on awarding policies and procedures to meet University enrollment goals and compliance, and will participate in various activities promoting professional development.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Serves as primary point of contact for current and prospective students
  • Counsels and advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, and indebtedness
  • Individualizes information to the particular needs and situations of the student
  • Uses clear and understandable communication with students, parents, and potential students regarding financial aid counseling
  • Assists students with estimating their educational expenses to calculate their needs for the year, and preparing a financial plan
  • Oversees the packaging of federal grants, federal loans, and Johnson scholarships to TN students within designated advising group
  • Conducts verification review for selected students according to federal regulations
  • Responsible for awarding, disbursing, and reconciliation of all TN state aid
  • Reviews and ensures student aid awards are accurate for designated advising group
  • Notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation
  • Uses enhanced internal and external communication systems to inform students and parents about financial aid awards and department’s policies and procedures
  • Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercises judgment when interpreting Federal and State regulations for specific student situations
  • Maintains professional connections in state and national financial aid organizations
  • Participates with presentations of financial aid related issues
  • Assists the Director of Financial Aid in reviews and reports to ensure compliance of department with regulations
  • Assists team members when necessary to enable the success of the department
  • Knowledge of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in an area with focus in finance or counseling.
  • 1-3 years of financial aid experience.

Abilities

  • Exceptional customer service orientation
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills.  Must be able to communicate sensitive and/or complex information in a confidential and straightforward manner
  • Must be a creative problem solver.  Must have the ability to data mine to extract data to support opinions and/or resolutions
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Office and experienced in financial database systems (PowerFAIDS)
  • Must possess a high level of accuracy, self-motivation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle a heavy workload
  • Familiarity with academic environment, policies and procedures
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously
  • Demonstrated service aptitude and ability to work independently as well as with students, parents, and colleagues.
  • Must be willing to work additional hours when necessary.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily sedentary, working at a desk in a climate-controlled office. Some standing or walking will be required to maintain files and obtain information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for “Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.” Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability–if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship—in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions based on religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University’s religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.