The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Position Description Summary/Purpose:
A Financial Aid Literacy Counselor is responsible for assisting students in navigating the financial aid process, understanding available resources, and making informed decisions about their financial responsibilities. This grant funded position plays a vital role in empowering students to make informed financial decisions during their academic journey and beyond. The goal is to support students in achieving financial well-being and success.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Student Counseling through one-on-one financial counseling sessions for students to address their individual financial concerns and goals. Assist students in developing personalized financial plans based on their academic and career goals.
- Budgeting and Financial Planning support for students by creating and maintaining budgets to effectively manage their expenses during their academic journey.
- Offer practical tips and tools for budgeting, saving, and financial planning. Guide students in creating and maintaining budgets to effectively manage their expenses during their academic journey. Offer practical tips and tools for budgeting, saving, and financial planning. Guide students in creating and maintaining budgets to effectively manage their expenses during their academic journey. Offer practical tips and tools for budgeting, saving, and financial planning.
- Provide information on student loan options, terms, and repayment plans. Conduct loan counseling sessions to help students understand the implications of borrowing and manage their student loan debt responsibly.
- Resource referral for students by connecting them with relevant resources, including scholarships, grants, and financial assistance programs and by providing information on external financial literacy resources and tools.
Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
-
Other Functions:
- Establish Financial Literacy Workshops and Seminars for specific student groups, such as first-year students, international students, or those entering specific academic programs.
- Policy Compliance through staying informed about federal, state and institutional financial aid policies and regulations.
- Assists other financial aid department staff as needed to promote a team effort. Assist students in navigating the financial aid application process, including completing forms such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Explain financial aid eligibility criteria, award letters, and other related topics.
- Collaborate with other offices such as Bursar, Advancement, and Admissions offices. Work closely with academic advisors, career counselors, and other campus departments to address the intersection of academic and financial goals. Collaborate with student organizations to promote financial literacy initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records of student interactions, counseling sessions, and workshop attendance. Generate reports on the impact and effectiveness of financial literacy programs.
- Continuous Professional Development by staying updated on changes in financial aid policies, regulations and best practices.
- Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
- Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
- Comfortable with basic computer skills including MS software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and verbal skills to communicate on a one-on-one, team, and presentation level capacity.
- Knowledge of financial literacy and counseling issues as well as budgeting/debt reduction, problem-solving and intervention strategies.
- Knowledge and understanding of applicable federal rules and regulations.
- Skill in interpreting and effectively communicating rules and regulations to a diverse audience, both in one-on-one sessions and group presentations
- Ability to work with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of students and staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Education, Social Sciences or related field
- A least 2 years’ experience developing and implementing financial education and instruction for post-secondary students.
- Experience with administering student loans relating to grace periods, repayment, and interest rates helpful.
- Familiarity with Internet Websites such as the National Student Loan Data System for tracking status of student loans and research purposes and online resources of financial literacy models
Full-Time Employee Benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- 401k employer match
- Employee & dependent life insurance
- Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
- PTO program
Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities
-
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
