Financial Aid Counselor

About Us

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, .

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever‑changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Financial Aid Counselor

FLSA:
Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:
Full Time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule:

Monday‑Friday 8:30‑5

Grade: 13

Compensation Range: $58,896‑77,381

Possesses comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid laws and regulations and their relationship to institutional compliance. This position performs file review and verification of completed files, identifies additional information needs to resolve conflicting information, and awards students. The Financial Aid Counselor is a critical member of the financial aid office ability to ensure compliance of the student's file and awards with federal and state laws and regulations, and institutional policy.

The Financial Aid Counselor meets with students and families individually to help them complete their files and advise them on their eligibility for financial aid. This position serves as an institutional spokesperson on all issues related to financing postsecondary education, particularly at Howard Community College. Assists in the coordination of the comprehensive delivery of federal and state grant funds, loans, college work‑study, and Maryland State, institutional and private scholarships.

The Financial Aid Services counselor has excellent customer service skills and works flexibly with diverse constituencies within and outside the college community, most importantly students, parents and guardians as appropriate.

• Maintains and utilizes current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional Title IV financial aid regulations.
• Counsels and assists prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the application process and eligibility for financial aid.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of and complies with federal, state and institutional regulations.
• Determines student eligibility to receive financial aid funds in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations.
• Packages all eligible students according to the established policies and procedures.
• Reviews, corrects and certifies all file information for disbursement of awards and ensures that all information entered into the student information system Colleague is accurate and complete.
• Calculates Satisfactory Academic Progress on a case‑by‑case basis to determine a student's status.
• Identifies and determines special circumstances in order to utilize Professional Judgment in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Guides and directs front counter personnel by answering questions and reviewing student accounts with them.
• Works with other campus units, such as, but not limited to, Records and Registration, Admissions and Advising, and Finance to resolve student issues.
• Plans and conducts financial aid workshops, information sessions, and paying for college sessions and other programs, such as the "FAFSA Friday's" for internal and external constituencies.
• Maintains memberships and participates in appropriate organizations and attends regular training sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as a backup to the Associate Director in functions such as importing files, running the disbursement process, and reviewing Pell over payments.
• Review and process student loan requests in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
• Maintains an alpha caseload, reviewing all necessary documents and resolving conflicting information to complete file processing.
• Coordinate and manage financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures, as assigned by the Associate Director…