Financial Aid Loan Counselor (MSUAASF Range C)

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities•Winona, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

1. Student Loan Program Administration. Manage, administer, and process loan applications for all student loan programs. These programs include the Federal Direct Loans, the Minnesota SELF Loan, and all Private Alternative Loan Programs. Determine student eligibility and approve applications in accordance with rules and regulations for each specific loan program. Manage and administer the certification and disbursement of funds. Verify the accuracy of the electronic-transfers and prepare funds for disbursement to students’ accounts. Oversee the recording of scholarships, grants, and loans and their disbursement to students’ accounts. Adjust aid types and dollar amounts as necessary to stay in compliance with regulations. Verify continued eligibility for financial aid by checking enrollment and financial aid holds. Return and reallocate funds as necessary. Use professional judgment in adjusting the financial aid budget of students. Perform monthly and annual loan reconciliation in accordance with Federal, State, and institutional regulations. 2. Financial Aid Counseling. Counsel, advise and interact with students and parents on their application and eligibility for financial aid to facilitate the delivery of aid. Resolve conflicts, solve problems, and make judgments for special conditions reviews, dependency overrides and study abroad reviews. Make eligibility determinations, process aid applications, and package awards to insure maximum utilization of funds. When awarding aid, it is necessary for funds to conform to office awarding policies, and it is consistent, equitable and complies with funding source regulations. Advise students on alternative methods of financing their education if their satisfactory progress appeal is not successful. Advise and educate students on the consequences of loan debt, consolidation, deferment and forbearances. 3. Processing Verification. Interpret and apply the Federal rules and regulations regarding the verification process. Assess accuracy of information received against confidential tax documents. Identify corrections and perform a recalculation of aid eligibility after revisions have been made to ensure the correct eligibility is calculated. Submit corrections to the Federal Central Processor. Confirm accurate completion of corrections when received back from the Federal Central Processor. Monitor discrepancies between information verified by the Financial Aid Office and corrections submitted directly to the Federal Central Processor by the student. Certify the verified applications as ready to award. 4. Warrior Hub Enrollment Services: Deliver information and resolve issues (Financial Aid, Records and Registration, Student Accounts) on behalf of the university for students, prospective students, parents/families, faculty, staff, administration, guests and the general public. Intake, review, and process various forms and workflows across departments represented within Warrior Hub Enrollment Services area. Emphasis on walk up counseling on various issues relating to our Enrollment Services area. 5. Develop institutional policies and procedures with reference to Federal, State, and private loans and disbursement of financial aid. Collaborate in the development, evaluation and interpretation of policies and procedures by staying current with changes in Federal, State and agency regulations through weekly meetings, use of resource materials and participation in professional workshops and conferences. Meet with representatives from various lending institutions and visit their websites to keep current on private student loan products. 6. Manage the entrance and exit interviews for all students on financial aid. Prepare and counsel students and perform follow up in compliance within the Federal regulations. Determine which students need to complete the interviews and ensure they receive and complete the interviews. 7. Organize and coordinate summer financial aid. Make eligibility determinations, process aid applications, package awards, and process loans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Two (2) years of experience in Higher Education and/or Student Financial Aid, or related customer service field.
Experience in effectively and efficiently utilizing computers to conduct business (i.e.: Microsoft Office, software, databases and online applications).
Ability to create and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of constituents, including students, colleagues, parents, and external partners.
Strong oral, written interpersonal and electronic communication skills sufficient to prepare messages and materials for diverse audiences and clearly explain, discuss, and present.
Flexibility, ability to work independently, and eagerness to work in a team environment in a fast-paced office.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of financial documents (such as Federal tax forms, reports, etc.).
Working knowledge of Federal, State, institutional and outside agency laws, regulations, and/or guidelines relating to student financial aid.
Ability to work with and relate to diverse staff, students and parents.
Experience working independently, under pressure, pay attention to detail and prioritize multiple projects.
Ability to adapt to various programs and internalize changes as they occur
Experience resolving emotionally charged conflicts.
Experience working in a technical, highly audited and regulated environment.
Experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Student Loan Program Administration
Financial Aid Counseling
Processing Verification
Warrior Hub Enrollment Services
Develop institutional policies and procedures with reference to Federal, State, and private loans and disbursement of financial aid
Manage the entrance and exit interviews for all students on financial aid
Organize and coordinate summer financial aid

Benefits

11 paid Holidays
Vacation Time
Sick Time
six weeks of Paid Parental Leave
low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500)
a Pension Plan
457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options
pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts
employer paid life insurance
short and long term disability
professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents