Financial Aid Counselor

Michigan Technological University•Houghton, MI

15h•$51,300•Onsite

About The Position

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor for its Financial Aid Administration department. This role requires a student-oriented, self-starting, critical thinker with a keen attention to detail. The Financial Aid Counselor will be a member of the Student Financial Services Center team, responsible for monitoring and interpreting best practices and legislative updates from state, federal, and other agencies. The position will advise the director of the Student Financial Services Center on necessary actions to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and requires a genuine interest in promoting student success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience
3 years experience working with the field of financial aid, higher education student services, accounting, or closely related field.
Skill and experience in project management and organizational effectiveness while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Experience using advanced features of word processing and spreadsheet/database software.
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written/oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to explain and convey complex information.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work assignments independently in a complex work environment.
Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to use appropriate judgment when dealing with highly confidential information.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to learn new computer skills and features.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Banner
Experience working in a higher education setting
Experience reading and interpreting policy
Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Responsibilities

Monitor student satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and ensure students are eligible to receive Title IV aid based on SAP standards.
Administer, monitor, and certify more than $11 million in State of Michigan programs including Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, Children of Veterans Grant, and Fostering Futures Grant.
Serve on the Scholastic Standards and Appeals Committee and demonstrate compassion, empathy, and discretion toward students with special circumstances.
Council students who have questions regarding their SAP status and advise on how they can best remain in or regain good standing.
Monitor and interpret best practice and legislative updates from the State of Michigan, the Department of Education, and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and advise leadership on action needed to maintain compliance.
Monitor all required student disclosures that must be posted online and review and update all financial aid/student billing related sections annually.
Oversee the operations and updates of the Student Financial Services Center website.
Assist with scholarship competitions, financial literacy presentations, admissions visit days, and other events that require financial aid staff.
Perform various need analysis functions using financial aid information submitted by applicants utilizing established federal, state and University standards and guidelines to determine financial need.
Meet with current and prospective students and families as needed and provide excellent and courteous customer service.
Ensure the security and integrity of confidential student data.
Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate empathy, understanding, and care in all student and family interactions.
Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.
Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.