Financial Aid Representative

Job Summary
The Financial Aid Representative evaluates financial needs of students from a variety of sources including documentation of financial status and personal interviews. He/she awards financial aid according to government and institutional regulations and guidelines.

Duties

• Counsels and advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money and management and financial planning; individualizes information to the particular needs and situation of the student.
• Collects and/or analyzes financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, donor and/or institutional guidelines.
• Evaluates unusual/mitigating circumstance documentation or information provided by the student; exercises judgment by making adjustment or revisions to costs, contribution, need or dependency status as exceptions to the prescribed process.
• Answers questions, inquiries or requests from students, parents, or guardians in person or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Assists in the preparation of and presents information regarding federal financial aid, scholarships, employment and grants for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, workshops and recruitment sessions.
• Assist Veterans and their eligible dependents in the application process for federal and state benefits.
• Verify eligibility for veteran benefits and certify courses to the Veteran’s Administration (VA) using their software.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure all Financial Aid and VA requirements are met.
• Provide leadership and develop appropriate recommendations for the implementation of related technology application in support of enhanced services

Education and Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Humanities or other related field
• Two years of experience in financial aid student counseling or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education as approved by the University’s VP of Finance and/or the Chief Operating Officer.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Extraordinary interpersonal and follow -up skills
• Ability to work under pressure and ability to interact with students required
• Goal driven and results oriented
• Knowledge of government, donor and/or institutional rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures for awarding of financial aid.
• Knowledge of and skill in automated processing.
• Frequent standing, sitting, walking, hearing, and speaking.
• Occasional carrying and reaching.
• Ability to read handwritten or typed material, with ability to focus.