Financial Aid Counselor

College: DCC

Department: Student Affairs

Sub department: Student Financial Assistance

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Administrative/Staff

Duties And Responsibilities:

• o Review, process, and finalize student financial aid files in accordance with Delgado Community College policies and federal/state regulations.
• o Verify documentation, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely and accurate completion of aid files.
• o Provide one-on-one and group counseling to students regarding financial aid eligibility, award packages, loans, grants, and other funding options.
• o Counsel students on acceptance of awards, terms and conditions of aid, and responsibilities related to borrowing and repayment.
• o Advise students on the impact of enrollment status, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and program of study requirements on financial aid eligibility.
• o Work closely with new, continuing, transfer, and re-entry students to ensure financial aid packages sufficiently meet their educational needs.
• o Educate students about FAFSA completion, verification processes, and use of the LOLA student portal for real-time updates.
• o Collaborate with campus departments and community organizations to provide workshops and informational sessions on financial aid resources.
• o Maintain accurate and confidential student financial aid records consistent with federal/state regulations and institutional standards.
• o Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and reconciliation of awards.
• o Stay current with changes in financial aid laws, policies, and best practices to maintain compliance.
• o Respond promptly to student inquiries via email, phone, and in-person meetings.
• o Provide clear, professional communication regarding financial aid policies, deadlines, and student responsibilities.
• Required Education: 
• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred and/or
• 1-2 years of financial aid or accounting experience or
• 2 years of experience as a financial aid professional at an educational institution

Required Experience:

• • Able to connect and work well with students from different backgrounds.
• • Hard worker who can also work well with a team.
• • Honest and dependable, with a strong focus on helping students succeed.
• • Truly cares about students and shows it through excellent service.
• • Can speak and write clearly in a professional way.
• • Handles complaints and difficult situations calmly and respectfully.
• • Can juggle many tasks in a busy environment.
• • Pays close attention to details and accuracy.
• • Friendly, patient, and approachable when working with others.

Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of financial aid/enrollment experience

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, DCC has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. DCC is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.