Financial Aid Counselor or Financial Aid Specialist
About The Position
Western Colorado University, a mid-size public university deep in the heart of the Rockies, is seeking customer service oriented and dynamic applicants for full-time Counselor or Specialist positions in the Financial Aid Office. These positions provide services to students, parents and university staff and are IN PERSON, on our local campus (not remote). Job Responsibilities for Counselors and Specialists: Provide counseling to prospective and current students and their families with accurate information regarding the application process, estimated financial aid eligibility including federal, state and institutional forms of aid; manage all aspect of student financial aid processes accurately and efficiently. Collect, review and evaluate student financial aid applications and financial aid forms. Verify documentation submitted meets federal, state and institutional policies. Review financial aid results with students and families and offer solutions. Formulate financial aid packages, perform needs analysis and certify loans. Outreach pro-actively and perform diligent follow-up on incomplete Financial Aid action items to complete their requirements within established deadlines, and financial aid options for paying account balances. Respond accurately to high levels of inbound calls and emails from prospective and current students and their families. Handle all inquiries with courtesy and professionalism. Participate in student recruitment events and activities. Contribute to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrate a commitment to the development of skills and practices to engage respectively across cultures and backgrounds. Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the Director and the Vice President. Financial Aid Specialist Additional Responsibilities Provide training, mentorship and leadership to entry level Financial Aid Counselors and assist with day to day management of the counseling staff to ensure consistency in packaging and implementation of all financial aid programs. Should possess advanced knowledge of federal Title IV regulations. Acts as the primary counselor to students in special programs such as the Rady Engineering Partnerships, Adult Degree Completion, Study Abroad and Tuition Assistance (service members) programs. Verify documentation and utilize professional judgment to evaluate changes in student/family circumstances that affect students’ financial aid offers. Resolve conflicts with students and parents on financial aid and student account issues. Primary certification specialist for private loans and AmeriCorps Educational awards. Manages Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals review process and the Exit Counseling program administered by the institution.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree
- Financial Aid Counselor position: One (1) year of experience in customer service.
- Financial Aid Specialist position: Two (2) years of experience in Financial Aid or a closely related field.
- Strong organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills
- High level of interpersonal communication skills- written and oral
- Ability to do highly detailed work
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment
Nice To Haves
- Financial Ais Specialist: Experience working in a bilingual higher education setting with student information systems.
- Knowledge of management information systems in a higher education environment
- Working knowledge of Workday Student Information System
- Advanced knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and policies
- High level of supervisory and communication skills, both written and oral
- Bilingual communication skills, verbal and/or print
- Experience communicating with diverse populations
Responsibilities
- Provide counseling to prospective and current students and their families with accurate information regarding the application process, estimated financial aid eligibility including federal, state and institutional forms of aid
- Manage all aspect of student financial aid processes accurately and efficiently
- Collect, review and evaluate student financial aid applications and financial aid forms
- Verify documentation submitted meets federal, state and institutional policies
- Review financial aid results with students and families and offer solutions
- Formulate financial aid packages, perform needs analysis and certify loans
- Outreach pro-actively and perform diligent follow-up on incomplete Financial Aid action items to complete their requirements within established deadlines, and financial aid options for paying account balances
- Respond accurately to high levels of inbound calls and emails from prospective and current students and their families
- Handle all inquiries with courtesy and professionalism
- Participate in student recruitment events and activities
- Contribute to an inclusive work environment
- Demonstrate a commitment to the development of skills and practices to engage respectively across cultures and backgrounds
- Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the Director and the Vice President
- Provide training, mentorship and leadership to entry level Financial Aid Counselors and assist with day to day management of the counseling staff to ensure consistency in packaging and implementation of all financial aid programs
- Acts as the primary counselor to students in special programs such as the Rady Engineering Partnerships, Adult Degree Completion, Study Abroad and Tuition Assistance (service members) programs
- Verify documentation and utilize professional judgment to evaluate changes in student/family circumstances that affect students’ financial aid offers
- Resolve conflicts with students and parents on financial aid and student account issues
- Primary certification specialist for private loans and AmeriCorps Educational awards
- Manages Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals review process and the Exit Counseling program administered by the institution
Benefits
- Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
- After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
