Financial Aid Counselor

Texas A&M University System•Texarkana, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be the primary contact for student interaction with the financial aid office. The financial aid counselor will counsel students on how to apply for financial aid, how to submit missing documents, how to interpret their award letter, and discuss the best way to finance a student’s education to control overborrowing to shrink our total student indebtedness at TAMUT. This position will also counsel students that receive warnings or suspensions of financial aid for failing to meet satisfactory progress which in turn will increase retention. This position will counsel graduating seniors on the best student loan repayment options to increase successful student repayment, while lowering the schools default rate. This position will help students understand basic financial literacy for a successful life after college. This position will work with Athletes and prospecting students to advise on scholarships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience
One year of related experience.
Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Knowledge of financial aid counseling, verification, rules and regulations
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Oral and written communication skills.
Customer Service skills.
Ability to work individually or as a team.
Ability to organize and make decisions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Banner or comparable Financial Aid software program
Knowledge of financial aid counseling, verification, rules and regulations
Experience with the Microsoft Office suite of programs
Program development or management experience

Responsibilities

First point of contact for incoming emails and phone calls regarding financial aid questions.
Meet with prospective students that visit campus to explain financial aid programs and answer questions
Counsel students and parents regarding the various financial aid programs and scholarships opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application processes on and off campus.
Assist with front counter operations answering questions for prospective, current and returning students as it relates to but not limited to admissions/registration/graduation/financial aid.
Responsible for one-on-one sessions with students assisting with completing the FAFSA, completing the financial aid process to get awarded, understanding school policies like satisfactory academic progress to increase retention, controlling default by providing loan counseling.
Provide personalized loan counseling to student loan borrowers so they make wise borrowing decision.
Conduct exit counseling for loan recipients through personal and group counseling sessions; send counseling materials to graduates and official and unofficial student withdrawals.
Counsels parents on Parent PLUS Loan eligibility, application requirements, and processing.
Assist with the administration and coordination of institutional scholarship programs as well as student athlete scholarships
Make outbound calls to assist students with all aspects of the financial aid process.
Facilitate TAMUT’s ongoing efforts to maintain a successful financial literacy program work with our Executive Director of Finance and Entrepreneurship

Benefits

Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value)
Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse, Employee and Children, Employee and Family coverage
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
75% waiver of tuition and fees for full-time employees, their spouses and children
8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month
8 hours of sick leave paid time off every month
8 hours of paid time off for birthday leave
12-15 paid holidays each year
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Professional Development via LinkedIn Learning
Employee Assistance Program
On Campus Wellness Opportunities