Financial Aid Counselor

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid & Scholarships (FAS) Office is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals by providing effective and meaningful financial aid assistance. FAS is responsible for processing financial aid applications, administrating various financial aid programs, and providing financial aid counseling to students and their families. The Financial Aid Scholarships (FAS) department at the University of North Texas is seeking to hire a Financial Aid Counselor to join our Loan Team. This is professional work providing immediate and comprehensive service to customers relative to: Federal, State and Institutional regulatory requirements, awarding financial aid, calculating Federal need analysis eligibility, performing detailed technical duties, conducting financial aid presentations, maintaining professional knowledge, performing special projects and providing intensive educational loan program data. It is the responsibility of these individuals to promote and carry through the concept of first point of contact service with Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, and Student Accounting plus with other university personnel. Teams or workgroups will utilize the Federal Student Aid Handbook to propose office policy, to write training materials for all staff members, to write procedural documentation as well as to serve students. Counselors may serve as team leaders for various aspects of the Federal Regulatory process and certain functional responsibilities within Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Requirements

Associate's degree and two years of office administration experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to problem solve, multitask and organize in a fast paced collaborative environment.
Ability to effectively communicate.
As a condition of hire and continued employment, must be in good standing on all federal student loans and must grant permission for the office to access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to verify such standing.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience within a Financial Aid Office or related area
Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate)
Knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate)
Customer service experience in multiple settings
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
The physical ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time
Ability to problem solve and make decisions
Skill in composing routine letters and preparing reports
Skill in recording and compiling material for reports
Ability to work independently
Excel and Data Analysis experience
Strong public speaking skills

Responsibilities

Counsel and educate students and families regarding federal, state and institutional policies, procedures and regulations.
Route incoming inquiries as appropriate regarding financial aid applications, aid program availability, need analysis, verification requirements, and satisfactory academic progress.
Analyze and process financial aid and/or scholarship applications for need analysis, verification documents, satisfactory academic progress and professional judgment.
Maintain and apply knowledge of FAS Policy Manual and procedures and keep abreast of information that impacts the functioning of the department through the reading of related literature and by attending and participating in meetings.
Propose recommendation for office operations, when needed, based on changes to regulations and programs.
Participate in outreach initiatives that promote awareness of financial assistance.
Prepare and conduct presentations as assigned.
Perform detailed technical duties primarily focused on student loan programs. Including but not limited to Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans.
Access, utilize and update information in PeopleSoft, Perceptive Content, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination Disbursement (COD) website, FAA Access to CPS Online website, and other associated software programs.
Serve as liaison between students/parents and other university personnel and related federal and state agencies.
Assist with developing procedures, training materials and providing training related to tasks/projects.