Financial Aid Counselor

Summary

Administers aspects of Financial Aid Programs including determination of eligibility, monitor fund budgets, certification and disbursement, adhere to compliance with all regulations, requirements and policies.

Duties

1. Communicates complex financial information and application procedures to prospective students, current students and their families in a clear, timely and professional manner.
2. Manages the various Scholarship programs and process Scholarships. Participates in student orientations.
3. Reviews and process Scholarship, Waiver and Lottery appeals in conjunction with other financial aid staff. Serves as financial aid liaison with the Accessibility office for handling. Accessibility waivers requests for Lottery and other Scholarships and Waivers.
4. Revises financial aid awards according to special circumstance requests, appeals and professional judgment decisions.
5. Processes scholarship transfer transcripts, posts outside donor and tribal scholarship checks, and makes adjustment to avoid over awards.
6. Reconciles admissions and tribal scholarship entries on a monthly basis. Assists with new detail code requests and revisions. Resolves disbursement error reports as needed. Responds to the Need Analysis requests as needed.
7. Contacts students, departments, campuses, state, federal agencies and private organizations with any concerns or problems regarding scholarships.
8. Assists students experiencing financial difficulties to develop plans that encourage retention and on-time graduation.
9. Responds to a high volume of request for information via email, phone, or in person in a clear and timely manner.
10. Assists with determining Federal, State and Institutional awards through established processes.
11. Understands the requirements for Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress, communicates this with students, parents, and the WNMU community.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background

Associate degree with 2 years of experience in similar position or High School Diploma/GED with 5 years of experience in similar position required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Job Knowledge

Knowledge of all federal, state, and institutional guidelines, statutes, regulations, and requirements governing all programs. Knowledge of available financial aid programs and their individual requirements. Knowledge of the principles and methods of customer relations, skill in reviewing/analyzing financial records/reports necessary to document the receipts, allocation and distribution of funds in accordance with funding specifications. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Must be knowledgeable of University policies, procedures and regulations regarding accounting functions. Must be able to handle multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy. Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the University and community. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)

Normal office, may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to lift normal office equipment and materials. Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information. Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication. Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions. Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.