Student Service Specialist- Financial Aid Counselor

Under general supervision of the Financial Aid Director of Financial Aid, the position will assist with the overall operation of the Office of Financial Aid monitoring compliance issues as they pertain to various programs including: Pell Grant, William D. Ford Direct Student Loan Program, Federal Work-Study, and scholarship programs. Additionally, the incumbent will assist with the formulating implementing, reviewing and evaluating of policies to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives. Demonstrate thorough understanding of laws and regulations regarding student financial aid information, including FERPA. Evaluate professional judgment, requests for reconsideration, dependency overrides and cost of attendance adjustments. Work with other appropriate institutional departments and offices to coordinate programs.

The position exercises substantial independence of administrative authority and discretion and is authorized to independently commit the institution to financial aid decisions. This includes the awarding of federal funds as provided under wide latitude of professional judgment allowed by federal law. The position assists in the determining of and interpretation of policies and procedures used in the financial counseling of students, and in providing information to students, prospective students, and parents through telephone, email, mail, and in-office visits.

Decision Making: The position exercises "professional judgment" in individual student situations. In financial aid administration, this means that the position determines, after reviewing the student's situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outlined in program regulation and that the student should be an "exception to the rule." The position although not an academic advisor, is often in a situation of suggesting various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of aid. The position makes decisions to award financial aid, or to approve a client as an "exception" can mean access to higher education for that individual.
This position will evaluate and determine will review outside scholarships and assist with Athletic awards and revisions.

Program Management: This position requires a thorough understanding of federal and state student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures, with the ability to communicate this information clearly. The role involves advising and counseling students and parents on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, and the university's policies and procedures. The individual must possess comprehensive knowledge of all financial aid programs, not just those they administer.

Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting special populations, including graduate students and new first-time freshmen, with scholarship searches, as well as providing a general understanding of the financial aid process.
This position will have to understand NCAA rules and regulations to be able to award/revise athletic awards.

Administrative/Programmatic

Financial Aid Representative Operations has significant administrative responsibilities in a large complex department. Develop quality assurance procedures for determining the integrity of financial aid practices. Includes the maintaining of the University's financial aid information infrastructure i.e. records, archives, and databases. This position is part of a team responsible for establishing policies and procedures used in the administration of all student aid programs.

Information and Record Administration: Position will review documents (example-not all inclusive, IRS forms, Social Security Administration documents. Federal Student Aid Reports, Parent Loan application/promissory notes) that pertain to a student's financial aid application. Position will review for completeness and compare it with information already contained on the student's financial aid Banner record.

Client Customer Service: In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, the employee in this position must project a sensitive and caring attitude.

Must be able to access all Federal portals, review and transmit information as needed or required

Thompson Center, Financial Aid Office

Monday - Friday 830am-530pm, 40 hours per week
May require some weekends and or working late
New schedule for office hours: Monday- Thursday 8am -6pm. This will require working to 6 some days/weeks

Education Requirement

Skills

Preferred Skills

Preferred Qualifications:

No

12 months

Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.

Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.

Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834