Financial Aid Counselor I - Financial Aid Operations

JOB DETAILS

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for assisting with the administration of the university’s financial aid programs. Responsible for interpreting, explaining, and applying federal, state, and university policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to financial aid; providing financial aid counseling to parents and students; and making independent decisions to award financial aid to eligible students, ensuring eligibility, renewal, and funding program requirements are met. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Director, Financial Aid.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field is required. Related experience may be substituted for required education on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

Two years of related experience is required. Experience with accounting/bookkeeping and customer service functions is required. Candidates who do not meet the experience requirement but have a Master’s degree in a related field may also be considered.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Interprets and explains university policies and procedures related to financial aid.
2. Counsels students and parents concerning financial aid programs including, but not limited to, aid availability, the application process, repayment options, student loan debt, and the rights and responsibilities associated with federal, state, and university aid.
3. Monitors the daily operations of assigned scholarship and student loan programs.
4. Accepts and reviews financial aid verification forms, state aid applications, and related documents for completeness and accuracy.
5. Processes financial aid requests, determines student eligibility, and verifies, packages, and adjusts awards.
6. Ensures university compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and requirements when awarding and reprocessing aid to prevent over-awards and adjustments.
7. Enters, monitors, and tracks financial aid information, including student acceptance/decline of awards, student application updates, and student requirements.
8. Acts as part of a team when reviewing complicated/complex issues between processing and technical support.
9. Communicates with students concerning identified issues.
10. Prepares, analyzes, and submits various special quarterly, monthly, and ad hoc reports.
11. Assists in regular data reviews. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
12. Identifies and incorporates continuous changes in federal and/or state policies and procedures, ensuring university and department compliance.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Assists with special projects, when assigned.
2. Participates in recruitment and retention activities as appropriate.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
7. Ability to explain policies and procedures to current and prospective students, staff, and the public.
8. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
9. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
10. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
11. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
12. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
13. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Employees of the office of Financial Aid & Scholarships must be in good standing on all federal student aid loans and may not be in default.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.