Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

Montgomery College, Central Services in Rockville, MD has an immediate need for two full-time Financial Aid Counselors in the Financial Aid Department. Each counselor will focus on a specific area: one will specialize in default management and financial literacy, and the other will focus on the processing of Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4), as well as performing the reconciliation for federal, state, and institutional funding. The work schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. These are Non-Bargaining, Non-Exempt, grade 27 positions. For non-exempt positions, you are not eligible to work a secondary job at Montgomery College. Montgomery College promotes and creates a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, belonging and inclusiveness. This position is eligible for telework 1 day a week. This eligibility is subject to change based on the needs of the unit.

The Financial Aid Counselors work under broad supervisory direction with some latitude for independent action. The position counsels 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. This position evaluates applications and awards financial aid to students, as well as provides 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.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including Title IV, to interpret rules and regulations as needed.
• 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.
• Develop processes and procedures and update others when appropriate.
• 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.
• Customer service experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• 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 may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in default management, financial literacy, and student loan programs.
• Professional experience with one more of the following financial aid programs: loans, work study, scholarships or other federal/state aid programs.
• Familiarity with current financial aid office policies and procedures, including federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines.

Hiring Range: $30.47 - $39.60 per hour. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimum and midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this position is $48.74.

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Application Process:

• Click Here to apply online

For degrees earned outside of the U.S., a copy of your education equivalency, conducted by a nationally recognized evaluation service, must be included in your application.

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).

• 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 College 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 Date

Open Until Filled