Financial Aid Counselor

University of Washington Medical Center•Bothell, WA

6d•$60,432 - $67,656

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor works in the Enrollment Services—Financial Aid division and reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. The position administers and evaluates student financial aid eligibility under complex federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. It interprets and applies changing requirements, uses financial aid systems and technology to process and award assistance, and counsels students on financial aid. The role requires professional judgment, discretion, and analytical skills to assess individual student and family circumstances and make appropriate adjustments to financial aid eligibility, cost of attendance, and satisfactory academic progress requirements. The position advises students and others, prepares initial awards for newly admitted students, reviews special-circumstance requests, verifies and corrects FAFSA information, awards and revises aid, reviews eligibility-related reports, coordinates UW Bothell’s General Scholarship process, and performs outreach and regulatory-learning activities. The office is located in the lower level of Summit Hall. The standard schedule is 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday; alternative or hybrid schedules may be approved if service to students is maintained. Workload is cyclical, with heavy processing in late spring and summer. Occasional hours beyond the agreed schedule and participation in graduation and other campus events may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements apply.
At least two years of experience in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid or a related field.
Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds, including clients, coworkers, and other parties.
Proficiency with computers and common office PC-based software.
Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with the public, students, faculty, and community members, including people from varied cultural and socioeconomic groups.
Presentation and advising skills demonstrating commitment to effective methods, including use of technology.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Advise and assist students and others by phone, email, and in person with financial aid and scholarship questions and issues.
Prepare initial financial aid awards for newly admitted students based on eligibility.
Review special circumstances submitted in person or in writing and revise student eligibility, cost of attendance, or financial aid when permitted by law, institutional policy, and funding guidelines.
Verify or correct FAFSA application information, track automated corrections or enter data through CPS On-line, and document professional judgments and corrections with justification sufficient to withstand audit review.
Award and revise financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines.
Work with the UW Bothell Undergraduate Admissions Office to award merit scholarships to newly admitted students.
Review reports concerning outside aid, ISIR loads, program or major changes, class standing, graduation dates, and other data; investigate discrepancies, determine effects on eligibility, adjust aid packages, and notify students of changes.
Coordinate UW Bothell’s General Scholarship process twice per academic year, including posting it online, compiling applications, scheduling committee meetings, and making award decisions.
Conduct community outreach workshops on and off campus, including day, evening, and weekend events; coordinate presentations, equipment, handouts, and other materials.
Review federal and state updates and attend training and information meetings to maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, and institutional changes.
Perform other assigned duties, including Enrollment Services projects and service on divisional or campus committees.
Participate in graduation and other campus events as needed.