Financial Aid Specialist-1

University of the Cumberlands•Williamsburg, KY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor will assist in ensuring the successful administration of Title IV, state, institutional and private funds made available to students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. This individual must be a dynamic, highly skilled financial aid professional. The successful candidate will provide guidance to students, parents and prospective students regarding financial aid and other pertinent financial counseling; help the financial aid team surpass all expectations; and make recommendations on awarding and procedures to meet University enrollment and customer service goals. The Financial Aid Counselor will facilitate the enrollment of students while maintaining consistency with the University mission, accreditation standards and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

Excellent interpersonal skills to support interaction with students and all levels of personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and serve students with outstanding customer service
Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures and regulations as they pertain to financial aid programs
Ability to follow detailed instructions and exercise sound judgement in reviewing applications, determining eligibility and evaluating special circumstances
Analytical skills including the ability to multi-task and independently problem solve
Strong writing and communication skills
Attention to detail
Strong computer skills, proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations
Ability to read, interpret, and explain statistical data, technical procedures and governmental regulations
Knowledge of Federal Title IV programs highly desirable
Associates degree or equivalent experience in an area with a focus in finance, management, or communications

Nice To Haves

Previous financial aid experience
Familiarity with EdConnect, TDClient, NSLDS, COD, and other financial aid systems and pages

Responsibilities

Interprets federal, state and university policies and regulations to determine student eligibility for federal, state, institutional and private financial assistance.
Ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise professional judgment when interpreting Federal and State regulations for specific student situations as directed.
Reviews student aid applications for completeness, collects any required documentation, uses electronic tools to notify students of individual requirements and tracks receipt of needed documents.
Reviews and packages awards and conducts a number of activities necessary for processing, tracking and delivery of grants, loans and scholarships.
Counsels students regarding cost of attendance, methods of payment and management of financial responsibilities. This includes providing an explanation of financial aid available, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the difference between private and federal loans, the CDR, and explaining students can refuse all or borrow less than the maximum allowed.
Collects and upload items needed for federally mandated verification process.
Collaborates with KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) and student throughout process.
Determines initial or recalculated eligibility for federal and state aid programs.
Makes awards for each program based on student eligibility, availability of funds, and institutional awarding policies.
Collaborates with Student Employment Coordinator to ensure students with a federal work-study award are given the opportunity to earn the award.
Assist students, prospective students, and families with financial aid questions and concerns in person, over the phone, through email, and other approved means of communication.
All other duties assigned by the Director of Financial Aid or a superior of the Director of Financial Aid