Position Description
The Financial Aid Representative, reporting to the Director of
Financial Aid, is the primary point of contact with the Financial
Aid Office for all students whether in person, via telephone,
email, or postal mail. The Financial Aid Representative is
responsible for answering telephones, greeting students/families,
directing calls or students to appropriate parties for assistance
if necessary, explaining and applying Federal, State, and
University policies, and troubleshooting problems with the student
applications and the aid process. The Financial Aid Representative
also oversees the daily processing of all documents submitted to
the office through a digital imaging system, distributes published
material to students upon request, and opens and distributes
incoming mail and voicemail to the appropriate parties.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide all front office services and assistance to student
customers.
- Manage the flow of all documents received and ensure that these
documents are accurately scanned into the digital imaging system
promptly. Ensures original documents are secured in the
document-holding area.
Advise students and families regarding financial aid questions
and concerns, application questions, document processing, and
corrections.
Answer incoming calls and transfer calls to appropriate staff
within departments and other University offices as warranted.
Retrieve and return voicemail messages.
Answer basic questions of students/families about Federal,
State, and University policies and procedures or refer same to
appropriate staff for more detailed explanation or assistance.
Distribute hand-out materials to students and families.
Meet and counsel students/families on issues relative to
financial aid sources, outside scholarships, and alternative
financing options.
Create a bi-monthly newsletter to disseminate to students,
faculty, and staff.
Assist with updating forms on a yearly basis.
Respond to students’ email questions and concerns within 1-2
business days.
Collect, sort, and distribute mail daily.
Assist with outgoing mail projects and other projects as time
permits.
Handle specific inquiries of students/families as to the status
of the Financial Aid.
Provide administrative support to staff of the Financial Aid
Office as directed by the Director of Financial Aid.
Assist in all areas of undergraduate and graduate student
financial aid issues.
Stay current on all federal, state, and institutional financial
aid regulations, policies and procedures governing the financial
aid process.
Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field
and preferably at least one year of experience in a Financial Aid
Office and a working knowledge of financial aid policies and
procedures. Attention to detail, with an eye toward
problem-solving, an ability to work as a team player while able to
work without supervision, and sensitivity to matters of
confidentially are required. Excellent written and oral
communication skills are essential, as is the ability to relate
well with current and prospective students, parents, and college
personnel. The incumbent must understand, and support, the
University’s Christian mission.
The person in this position must be available, when required, to
attend training, orientations, open houses, and workshops
off-site.