Financial Aid Counselor

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of North Texas Financial Aid & Scholarships department is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor for its Loan Team. The position provides immediate, comprehensive service to students and families regarding financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional requirements; financial aid awards; federal need analysis eligibility; and educational loan programs. The counselor performs detailed technical duties, gives presentations, maintains professional knowledge, contributes to special projects, and provides information about loan programs. The role serves as a first point of contact and works with Financial Aid, Admissions, the Registrar, Student Accounting, and other university personnel. Counselors may help develop office policies, procedures, and training materials using the Federal Student Aid Handbook, and may lead teams responsible for federal regulatory processes and functional areas within Financial Aid and Scholarships. The position is based at the University of North Texas in Denton. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional nights and weekends. The role is sedentary, involving primarily sitting or standing and repetitive hand, wrist, or finger motions. No adverse environmental conditions are expected.

Requirements

Associate's degree and two years of office administration experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to problem-solve, multitask, and organize work in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
Effective communication skills.
Must be in good standing on all federal student loans as a condition of hire and continued employment, and must permit the office to access NSLDS to verify standing.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in a financial aid office or related area.
Knowledge of university policies and procedures related to the functional area, or ability to assimilate them rapidly.
Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations related to the functional area, or ability to assimilate them rapidly.
Customer service experience in multiple settings.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Physical ability to sit at a computer for long periods.
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 about federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
Route incoming inquiries about financial aid applications, available aid programs, need analysis, verification requirements, and satisfactory academic progress.
Analyze and process financial aid and scholarship applications, including need analysis, verification documents, satisfactory academic progress, and professional judgment.
Maintain knowledge of Financial Aid & Scholarships policies and procedures, keep up with relevant literature, and attend and participate in meetings.
Recommend changes to office operations when regulations or programs change.
Participate in outreach initiatives promoting awareness of financial assistance.
Prepare and deliver presentations as assigned.
Perform detailed technical duties focused primarily on student loan programs, including Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans.
Access, use, and update information in PeopleSoft, Perceptive Content, NSLDS, the COD website, FAA Access to CPS Online, and other associated software.
Serve as a liaison between students and parents, university personnel, and related federal and state agencies.
Assist with developing procedures and training materials and provide training related to tasks and projects.
May lead teams for aspects of federal regulatory processes and functional responsibilities within Financial Aid and Scholarships.