Financial Aid Advisor II

Agency

Department

This position, under the supervision of the Assistant Director in Financial Aid, will provide student-focused service and guidance regarding student aid programs, educational funding options, and the financial aid application process. The person employed in this position will be able to comprehend, interpret, and apply federal and state regulations and university policies related to financial aid and be able to regularly exercise professional judgment. This position will ensure the compliance of current and new procedures and/or processes are followed and adhered to in regard to federal, state, and institutional policies while making financial aid for students readily attainable and as efficient as possible. In addition, the position will be responsible for ensuring that excellent customer service is provided to students within the Enrollment Service Center, allowing for a one stop customer service opportunity.

This position normally works Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. May work beyond normal office hours to include evenings, weekends, and peak time periods.

Responsibilities:

• Provides student financial aid counseling in the Enrollment Service Center. This includes meeting with students, answering phone calls, and assisting enrollment service advisors.

• Facilitates student financial aid file review to assist students and families. Duties include assisting students in navigating financial aid applications and reviewing financial aid awards to ensure accuracy and compliance with institutional and governmental guidelines. Understand, interpret, and effectively communicate details of current federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to financial aid, student employment, and scholarships.

• Attains and maintains knowledge of major programs and establishes administrative procedures to ensure the proper processing and documentation of awards in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations, and university policies.

• Assists the associate directors in revising and/or approving the awarding of financial aid through the specific controls of program policy and guidelines. Makes adjustments if necessary.

• Processes Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals and makes decisions regarding the validity of these appeals and any other steps the student must take to satisfy a judgment rendered to reestablish eligibility for financial aid or scholarships in accordance with established university Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

• Reviews and processes Professional Judgment.

• Assists associate directors with internal audit controls.

• Participate in committees such as Audit, Forms, PPM/SOP, Technology, Testing, Training/Professional Development, SAP, and Social/Retreat in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

• Assists with monitoring the over-award resolution process. Resolves over-award problems within Banner based on the student receiving additional resources (scholarships and outside resources) after processing of the initial award package.

• Develops effective working relationships with appropriate personnel in administrative/academic support offices (e.g., Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Student Business Services, etc.)

• Assists with conducting on and off campus presentations and seminars for students (high school, prospective, admitted, and current) and possibly for professional development training. Events include, but are not limited to Future Jaguar Day and Paying for College. May work at resource tables as requested by a group from TAMUSA, prospective student groups, and others.

• Maintains punctual attendance in accordance with the defined office schedule, and/or as assigned, to facilitate excellent customer service and accurate and timely completion of all components of financial aid administration, e.g., verification, awarding, loan certification, etc.

• Completes assigned goals, tasks, and projects in an accurate and timely manner.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.

• One (1) year of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient with common software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)and spreadsheet applications.

• Knowledge of financial aid systems such as Banner.

• Federal Student Financial Aid experience at a previous educational institution.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, both internal and external constituents. Oral and written communication skills. Well-developed public presentation skills. Self -starter, exercising initiative. Detail and goal oriented. Ability to organize and make decisions. Customer Service skills.

• Ability to work individually or as a team.

• Ability to relate well with a students.

Other Requirements: Requires some evening and weekend work.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.