Financial Aid Counselor

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Financial Aid & Scholarships (FAS) Office is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals by providing effective and meaningful financial aid assistance. FAS is responsible for processing financial aid applications, administrating various financial aid programs, and providing financial aid counseling to students and their families.

Position Overview

The Financial Aid Scholarships (FAS) department at the University of North Texas is seeking to hire a Financial Aid Counselor to join our Loan Team. This is professional work providing immediate and comprehensive service to customers relative to: Federal, State and Institutional regulatory requirements, awarding financial aid, calculating Federal need analysis eligibility, performing detailed technical duties, conducting financial aid presentations, maintaining professional knowledge, performing special projects and providing intensive educational loan program data. It is the responsibility of these individuals to promote and carry through the concept of first point of contact service with Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, and Student Accounting plus with other university personnel. Teams or workgroups will utilize the Federal Student Aid Handbook to propose office policy, to write training materials for all staff members, to write procedural documentation as well as to serve students. Counselors may serve as team leaders for various aspects of the Federal Regulatory process and certain functional responsibilities within Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree and two years of office administration experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to problem solve, multitask and organize in a fast paced collaborative environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience within a Financial Aid Office or related area
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate)
• Knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate)
• Customer service experience in multiple settings
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
• The physical ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions
• Skill in composing routine letters and preparing reports
• Skill in recording and compiling material for reports
• Ability to work independently
• Excel and Data Analysis experience
• Strong public speaking skills

Required License/Registration/Certifications

As a condition of hire and continued employment, must be in good standing on all federal student loans and must grant permission for the office to access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to verify such standing.

Job Duties

• Counsel and educate students and families regarding federal, state and institutional policies, procedures and regulations. Route incoming inquiries as appropriate regarding financial aid applications, aid program availability, need analysis, verification requirements, and satisfactory academic progress.
• Analyze and process financial aid and/or scholarship applications for need analysis, verification documents, satisfactory academic progress and professional judgment.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of FAS Policy Manual and procedures and keep abreast of information that impacts the functioning of the department through the reading of related literature and by attending and participating in meetings. Propose recommendation for office operations, when needed, based on changes to regulations and programs.
• Participate in outreach initiatives that promote awareness of financial assistance. Prepare and conduct presentations as assigned.
• Perform detailed technical duties primarily focused on student loan programs. Including but not limited to Parent PLUS and Graduate PLUS loans.
• Access, utilize and update information in PeopleSoft, Perceptive Content, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination Disbursement (COD) website, FAA Access to CPS Online website, and other associated software programs.
• Serve as liaison between students/parents and other university personnel and related federal and state agencies.
• Assist with developing procedures, training materials and providing training related to tasks/projects.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. 

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00-5:00pm, with occasional nights/weekends.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.