The Financial Aid Department is recruiting for one Financial Aid Counselor. Under the guidance of the Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for supporting the day-to‑day operations of the Office of Financial Aid by serving as the primary lead in the coordination of communication and student service efforts in the delivery of financial aid related information to prospective and current students, leading outreach, and providing excellent customer service to students for Victoria College. This position advises students and their families on matters concerning financial aid eligibility, cost of attendance, debt management, and financial literacy. This position conducts verifications, uses professional judgment on student requests and overrides, and reviews SAP and federal, state, and/or other aid eligibility.
This position is benefits eligible.
For more information on Victoria College's excellent benefits package, click the benefits tab.
About Our Institution Victoria College (VC) is a vital public community college located in Victoria, Texas and has been a respected community partner in the Crossroads region since 1925 and continues to offer quality, affordable educational opportunities to help our students achieve their dreams. VC offers a variety of high‑quality associate's degrees and transfer programs, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. The college fosters a close‑knit community, serving approximately 7,100 students across diverse backgrounds and learning styles, including full‑time, part‑time, online, veterans, and adult learners. VC features five academic divisions:
Academic Support & Student Success
Allied Health
Career & Technical Education
Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Science, Mathematics, Engineering, & Physical Education
Additionally, VC offers various programs through the Academy of Lifelong Learning, catering to the educational needs of the community.
Living in the Area Victoria, a charming city with a population of around 67,000, provides a welcoming and affordable environment. Residents enjoy a variety of benefits, including diverse culinary experiences, a rich cultural scene with museums and art galleries, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Victoria boasts over 50 parks and green spaces, including Riverside Park and Spring Creek Greenway, offering scenic walking and biking trails. The city is well‑connected with regional transportation networks, including Victoria Regional Airport and multiple bus services. Victoria's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for students and families alike.
Guidance and Counseling
Meet with current and prospective students and parents to assist with understanding their financial aid options and eligibility. Utilize Banner, COD, NSLDS, FAFSA Partner Portal, and other online applications as needed to research and determine aid eligibility.
Counsel virtual or walk‑in visitors, answering phone calls, emails and chats by providing information regarding federal, state institutional and departmental regulations covering all federal financial aid, scholarship information, account information, etc.
Provide excellent customer service by responding to student and parent email and/or phone inquiries in a timely manner to provide clarification on questions and documents needed.
Counsel students by explaining procedures required to complete all steps in the financial aid process, including completing the FAFSA, accepting loans, completing Entrance/Exit Counseling, signing the MPN, requesting SAP Appeals, etc.
Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process. Assist with running the SAP processes in Banner after each semester.
On a rotating basis, serve as the front desk representative responsible for greeting walk‑in students, addressing financial aid concerns and responding to student emails.
Identify the source of complex financial aid issues, determining the appropriate course of action to provide an effective solution, and ensuring follow‑through to resolution in a timely manner.
Review and render a decision on requests for professional judgment relating to changes in FAFSA data elements, dependency override requests, and special circumstances.
Financial Literacy Outreach & Communications
Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, etc. Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and college constituents.
Participate in public speaking engagements on campus, at college fairs, high schools, financial aid nights, community groups, and other similar forums.
Coordinate, develop, and implement communication and outreach campaigns designed to raise awareness of Financial Aid programs and services offered to students in collaboration with Victoria College’s Marketing and Communication teams.
Collaborate with other departments across the college in committees, meetings, and efforts to better serve our students as needed.
Co‑lead in the development of the financial aid outreach program to include scheduling seminars and workshops, facilities, presenters, and promoting the events.
Co‑lead in the preparation of and present information regarding financial aid opportunities for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, and recruitment sessions.
Financial Aid Data Analytics, Reporting, Compliance, and Technical Support
Assist in financial aid processing by evaluating financial aid applications, performing verifications, and awarding financial aid based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies. Maintain meticulous accuracy and thoroughness in aid file documentation.
Collect and analyze financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, institutional, and/or donor guidelines. Perform the CPOS process each day and analyze data. Process V4 verification (Reporting Identity Verification Results & HS Completion).
Analyze various system‑generated reports such as grades and enrollment status or awards status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines.
Assist with the management of the financial aid software system. Enter into and retrieve data from a variety of software programs (financial aid, student services, Department of Education, etc.). Examples include but are not limited to: Loading and processing Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data from the Department of Education.
Review and process disbursements for funds, complete transfer monitoring, and review students who have other credentials for accuracy.
Participate in professional development activities to include researching and reading applicable literature, participating in applicable webinars and attending relevant conference/seminars in order to remain current on all Financial Aid state and federal rules, regulations and key mission critical updates.
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.
This position accesses student records and will follow all FERPA guidelines.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required or five years similar work experience in lieu of degree.
Three years’ experience in Higher Ed Financial Aid, a financial institution, and/or a related transferrable skill set preferred.
Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary. Experience with Ellucian Banner system and/or CRMs preferred.
Knowledge of and/or experience working with federal and state financial aid programs and regulations preferred.
Required skills to multi‑task in a high‑stress environment.
Attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
Ability to analyze, interpret and apply complicated and detailed federal and state regulations.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills.
Ability to counsel and handle difficult situations with confidentiality, sensitivity, and responsiveness to student needs.
Strong ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and collaborate professionally among staff and management.
Commitment to college’s goal of providing excellent service to all students and fellow staff members.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle controls, key pads, etc. Will be required to sit and reach with hands and arms as well as, sit, stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds while loading office supplies and paper. Occasionally, position will include physical duties such as: extensive walking, standing, climbing stairs, and carrying boxes of documents weighing up to 25 lbs.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, some color vision, and the ability to adjust focus from documents to computer screen. Hearing of light to moderate sound is required by this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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This position is benefits eligible.
For more information on Victoria College's excellent benefits package, click the benefits tab.
About Our Institution Victoria College (VC) is a vital public community college located in Victoria, Texas and has been a respected community partner in the Crossroads region since 1925 and continues to offer quality, affordable educational opportunities to help our students achieve their dreams. VC offers a variety of high‑quality associate's degrees and transfer programs, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. The college fosters a close‑knit community, serving approximately 7,100 students across diverse backgrounds and learning styles, including full‑time, part‑time, online, veterans, and adult learners. VC features five academic divisions:
Academic Support & Student Success
Allied Health
Career & Technical Education
Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Science, Mathematics, Engineering, & Physical Education
Additionally, VC offers various programs through the Academy of Lifelong Learning, catering to the educational needs of the community.
Living in the Area Victoria, a charming city with a population of around 67,000, provides a welcoming and affordable environment. Residents enjoy a variety of benefits, including diverse culinary experiences, a rich cultural scene with museums and art galleries, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Victoria boasts over 50 parks and green spaces, including Riverside Park and Spring Creek Greenway, offering scenic walking and biking trails. The city is well‑connected with regional transportation networks, including Victoria Regional Airport and multiple bus services. Victoria's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for students and families alike.
Guidance and Counseling
Meet with current and prospective students and parents to assist with understanding their financial aid options and eligibility. Utilize Banner, COD, NSLDS, FAFSA Partner Portal, and other online applications as needed to research and determine aid eligibility.
Counsel virtual or walk‑in visitors, answering phone calls, emails and chats by providing information regarding federal, state institutional and departmental regulations covering all federal financial aid, scholarship information, account information, etc.
Provide excellent customer service by responding to student and parent email and/or phone inquiries in a timely manner to provide clarification on questions and documents needed.
Counsel students by explaining procedures required to complete all steps in the financial aid process, including completing the FAFSA, accepting loans, completing Entrance/Exit Counseling, signing the MPN, requesting SAP Appeals, etc.
Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process. Assist with running the SAP processes in Banner after each semester.
On a rotating basis, serve as the front desk representative responsible for greeting walk‑in students, addressing financial aid concerns and responding to student emails.
Identify the source of complex financial aid issues, determining the appropriate course of action to provide an effective solution, and ensuring follow‑through to resolution in a timely manner.
Review and render a decision on requests for professional judgment relating to changes in FAFSA data elements, dependency override requests, and special circumstances.
Financial Literacy Outreach & Communications
Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, etc. Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and college constituents.
Participate in public speaking engagements on campus, at college fairs, high schools, financial aid nights, community groups, and other similar forums.
Coordinate, develop, and implement communication and outreach campaigns designed to raise awareness of Financial Aid programs and services offered to students in collaboration with Victoria College’s Marketing and Communication teams.
Collaborate with other departments across the college in committees, meetings, and efforts to better serve our students as needed.
Co‑lead in the development of the financial aid outreach program to include scheduling seminars and workshops, facilities, presenters, and promoting the events.
Co‑lead in the preparation of and present information regarding financial aid opportunities for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, and recruitment sessions.
Financial Aid Data Analytics, Reporting, Compliance, and Technical Support
Assist in financial aid processing by evaluating financial aid applications, performing verifications, and awarding financial aid based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies. Maintain meticulous accuracy and thoroughness in aid file documentation.
Collect and analyze financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, institutional, and/or donor guidelines. Perform the CPOS process each day and analyze data. Process V4 verification (Reporting Identity Verification Results & HS Completion).
Analyze various system‑generated reports such as grades and enrollment status or awards status to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines.
Assist with the management of the financial aid software system. Enter into and retrieve data from a variety of software programs (financial aid, student services, Department of Education, etc.). Examples include but are not limited to: Loading and processing Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) data from the Department of Education.
Review and process disbursements for funds, complete transfer monitoring, and review students who have other credentials for accuracy.
Participate in professional development activities to include researching and reading applicable literature, participating in applicable webinars and attending relevant conference/seminars in order to remain current on all Financial Aid state and federal rules, regulations and key mission critical updates.
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.
This position accesses student records and will follow all FERPA guidelines.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required or five years similar work experience in lieu of degree.
Three years’ experience in Higher Ed Financial Aid, a financial institution, and/or a related transferrable skill set preferred.
Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary. Experience with Ellucian Banner system and/or CRMs preferred.
Knowledge of and/or experience working with federal and state financial aid programs and regulations preferred.
Required skills to multi‑task in a high‑stress environment.
Attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
Ability to analyze, interpret and apply complicated and detailed federal and state regulations.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills.
Ability to counsel and handle difficult situations with confidentiality, sensitivity, and responsiveness to student needs.
Strong ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and collaborate professionally among staff and management.
Commitment to college’s goal of providing excellent service to all students and fellow staff members.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle controls, key pads, etc. Will be required to sit and reach with hands and arms as well as, sit, stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds while loading office supplies and paper. Occasionally, position will include physical duties such as: extensive walking, standing, climbing stairs, and carrying boxes of documents weighing up to 25 lbs.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, some color vision, and the ability to adjust focus from documents to computer screen. Hearing of light to moderate sound is required by this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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