Financial Aid Counselor
Montgomery College

Job Info

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Job Description

Montgomery College has an immediate need to fill one (1) Financial Aide Counselor position. The position is located on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

The position is a full-time temporary position with benefits which includes, annual leave, sick leave, and health coverage. The position is funded through June 30, 2025, with potential for extension. Employment continuation beyond this period is contingent upon need and funding.

The days and hours for the position is Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm, with occasional nights and weekends as needed. The position is a non-exempt, non-bargaining, grade 27 position. For non-exempt positions, you are not eligible to work a secondary job at Montgomery College. One (1) day of telework may be granted based on the needs of the unit.

Work consists of planning, developing and performing activities pertaining to administrative and technical tasks related to financial aid programs. Duties are varied with a wide range of processes and methods relating to established policies and procedures. Interpretation of the rules and regulations is required to respond appropriately to inquiries.

Montgomery College promotes and creates a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Counsel prospective and current students and their family representatives regarding participation in federal, state and institutional financial aid programs including eligibility, regulations, policies and procedures through in-person, phone and email conversations.
• Evaluate applications and award financial aid to students. Provide leadership for a specific financial aid process and/or program(s).
• Work consists of planning, developing and performing activities pertaining to administrative and technical tasks related to financial aid programs.
• Duties are varied with a wide range of processes and methods relating to established policies and procedures.
• Interpretation of the rules and regulations is required to respond appropriately to inquiries.
• Incumbents exercise independent judgment, comparing and evaluating courses of action and making decisions after the possibilities have been considered.
• A comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations is needed to warrant independent decisions.
• Contacts are with college faculty, staff, current and prospective students and family representatives, general public, external agencies including lending institutions and government agencies.
• Counsel and advise students and family representatives regarding financial aid regulations, application policies and procedures, methods used to determine eligibility, specific program requirements and limits, disbursement and appeal procedures, requirements for continued eligibility, and related financial matters.
• Use comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Title IV, to interpret rules and regulations as needed.
• Develop processes and procedures and update others when appropriate. Evaluate financial aid applications and determine financial aid eligibility.
• Award financial aid to eligible students using independent judgment and discretion to make determinations. Review appeals for exceptions and make determinations in accordance with state, federal and institutional policies governing financial aid.
• Adjust student budgets and awards accordingly.
• Maintain statistical data; review and assign reports as needed.
• May manage a file review caseload and/or coordinate, administer or lead a federal, state, institutional or operational program or task.
• May facilitate and/or participate in program specific or financial aid outreach activities. May be responsible for a specific college-wide program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of experience in a financial aid office, or the equivalent combination of education, training, certification and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Customer service experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current Student Financial Aid Office policies and procedures, state and federal financial aid regulations and policies, and institutional policies governing financial aid.
• Comprehensive knowledge of one or more of the following programs: loans, work study, scholarships or other federal or state programs.
• Knowledge of institutional rules, guidelines, procedures, and practices, and of modern office procedures and practices as applied to the operations of a financial aid office.
• Ability to perform needs analysis and prepare package aid to students. Evaluate applications for financial aid and interpret and apply complex regulations.
• Skill in the use of student financial aid data management systems.
• Thorough knowledge of customer service techniques for public contact.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations (including serving a diverse community) with ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, and work effectively with others within and outside of the institution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Thorough knowledge of office procedures and practices with ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks in a demanding office environment.
• Exercise diplomacy, tact, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to perform general office clerical work, apply technical rules and procedures, perform arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately, operate common office equipment including desktop computers and relevant pc hardware and software applications.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite.
  

Application Process:

Hiring Range: $30.47 - $39.60 per hour. Salary placement is based on candidate experience and internal equity.

• Position is open until filled
• For consideration, you must attach a resume that provides the month and year(s) worked at each employer and detailed experience to reflect the duties and responsibilities performed at each employer.
• If any position listed on your resume was a part-time position, please indicate so on the resume.
• Click Here to apply online

As a condition of employment, the following are required at the time of hire:

• Successful completion of a background check and degree verification (if applicable).
• For international degrees, you must provide US degree equivalency verified by a nationally recognized credential evaluation service.
• Participation in a Maryland State Retirement System plan (Pension or Optional Retirement Plan, depending on the position). If you are already retired from the Maryland State Retirement System, you may not enroll in a Maryland State Retirement System plan at Montgomery Collage and may have earnings restrictions, per state law.

Our benefits package includes: generous paid vacation, sick, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, group legal benefits, professional development, retirement plan, educational assistance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, wellness programming including onsite gyms, pools and classes. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management at 240-567-5353 or HRSTM@montgomerycollege.edu. We require at least two weeks advance notice to enable us to provide the requested accommodation.Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff.Montgomery College is a tobacco-free and smoke-free workplace.Closing DateOpen Until Filled

This job has expired.