Financial Aid Counselor I - Financial Aid

Performs operational duties in the Financial Aid Office. Counsels with students, prospective students, and other clients. Verifies applicant information and makes financial aid awards. Serves as a resource for the department. Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Financial Aid Administrator

Supervises: May supervise clerical staff and Student Assistants

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

• Performs verification on selected applicants.
• Counsels applicants and families on financial aid information and application directions.
• Reviews College Work Study earnings report to prevent earnings from exceeding awards.
• Trains and supervises student assistants.
• Conducts financial aid information sessions.
• Conducts formal financial aid presentations, both on and off campus.
• Reviews NSLDS student monitoring report.
• Reviews unconverted records report & ISIRs.
• Reviews applications and makes awards which may be reviewed by an administrator.
• Assists with the checking of satisfactory academic progress.
• Assists in cases where the use of professional judgment in special circumstance situations is required to revise student financial aid eligibility and cost of attendance.
• Assists in resolving loan errors and reconciliation.
• Processes electronic fund transfers and returns (cancel) funds.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Ability to use a 10-key calculator by touch are helpful.
• Knowledge and understanding of current financial aid needs analysis methodology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Skill in dealing with the students and other clients in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively -orally, by phone, in person, and in writing.
• Ability to travel to other TWU Centers for information presentations.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel. The employee must have the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

One year of general financial aid experience required.