Financial Aid Counselor I
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Main Campus, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Opening at: Aug 6 2024 at 09:00 CDT
VP Area: Enrollment Services
Department: Financial Aid
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Benefit Eligibility: Yes
The Financial Aid Counselor I is primarily responsible for awarding, counseling and verifying students through the financial aid process. The Financial Aid Counselor also works with the Deans from different colleges to administer their departmental scholarship awards and will be assigned to one or two schools as their primary focus.
The Financial Aid Counselor I reports to the Associate Director for Financial Aid and is a member of the Financial Aid department in the Student Financial Services area of Enrollment Services.
- A minimum of one year of experience with financial aid including financial aid processing, student loan processing, student account management or related financial aid functions.
- Working knowledge of the Banner Financial Aid Management system is a plus.
- Incumbent must be in good standing with all federal student loans and federal grants.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Demonstrate an attitude and behavior that reflects the values and mission of the department and University.
- Meet with prospective and returning students and their parents to discuss the financial aid processes and other programs; counsel students through the financial aid process and assist with completion of all required documents.
- Acquire and maintain a familiarity and working knowledge of financial aid and the continuous changes of the federal regulations regarding financial aid and the title four programs. Remain current and knowledgeable of federal and state regulations relating to student loans, verification and application processes, as well as other areas of financial aid.
- Understand and maintain current working knowledge of the practice of FERPA regulations regarding the student information.
- Provide professional customer service to students, parents, staff and faculty in person and on the phone.
- Review student's data as files become complete. Verify all documentation in student's application as outlined in the Student Federal Aid Handbook and the information on the Student Aid Report.
- Review and send written and/or email correspondence to student if there are discrepancies or if additional information is needed.
- Responsible for responding to email correspondence sent to the Financial Aid Office’s general email account.
- Review transcripts for Satisfactory Academic Progress for incoming transfers students to the university.
- Package students within a specific assigned portion of the alphabet range as well as the administration of the Nursing school scholarship allocation as their applications become complete in accordance with state, federal, and institutional guidelines. Employee is responsible for students in all levels to include undergraduate, graduate, law, DNP and PHD.
- Acquire and maintain an in-depth working knowledge of current University tuition, fee housing and board structures and how it relates to a student’s financial aid package and student aid.
- Assist in resolving disputes or problems from students, parents or other University departments involving a student’s account in an effective and equitable manner in order to benefit both the student and the University.
Present financial aid information to transfer students that attend the daily general financial aid presentations.
- Attend recruitment events on behalf of the Financial Aid Office (Stars 101, S.A.C.E program open houses, web chats, music auditions, etc.).
- Responsible for processing emergency loans at the beginning of each term. Post scholarship awards to students' accounts that have been awarded through university policy and process, ensuring students meet criteria for each award.
- Work closely with the Enrollment Services, Student Accounts and Registrars in rectifying student issues and concerns.
- Assist with updating brochures, forms and procedures for the office as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
NOTE: While in training, the Financial Aid Counselor will be assessed to identify what areas of financial aid are strengths, and as those are identified, additional responsibilities and challenges will be assigned to create a full and robust job assignment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Working knowledge of student financial aid and/or student account management.
- Working knowledge of Veteran Affairs Benefits and Services for military members and their dependents is required (may be obtained via on-the-job training if needed).
- Must handle confidential information in a discreet manner.
- Must have ability to successfully manage competing tasks.
- Must have ability to maintain customer service orientation in fast-paced, stressful environment.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate and work with a variety of people of varying backgrounds; ability to counsel students and their families.
- Clear, correct and effective communication using the English language.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with accounting and bookkeeping principles; ability to comprehend financial functions; basic computation skills.
- Excellent computer skills, including MS Office proficiency.
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of accountability and accuracy.
The salary range for this position is $35,000 -$38,500.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
- Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery.
- Constantly visually identifies, observes, and assesses.
- Frequently communicates with university constituents.
- Frequently remains in a stationary position (standing and/or sitting). Occasionally moves to accomplish tasks and/or to get from one worksite to another.
- Occasionally moves common office materials.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Work is primarily indoors but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or off campus.
- Candidate will be exposed to frequent noise caused by telephones and office machines.
- Standard office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. During peak processing some overtime may be required.
