Financial Aid Counselor

Title: Financial Aid Counselor


Employee Classification: Financial Aid Counselor


Campus: University of North Texas


Division: UNT-Enrollment Management


SubDivision-Department: UNT-Financial Aid & Schol-Gen


Department: UNT-Financial Aid-164860


Job Location: Denton


Salary: 40,000


FTE: 1.000000


Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible


About Us - Values Overview


Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at .

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


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, Student Accounting, and other university personnel. Teams or work groups will utilize the Federal Student Aid Handbook to propose office policy, write training materials for all staff members, write procedural documentation, as well as to serve students. This position is responsible for the coordination and day to day operations of multiple financial aid and scholarship processes within a team and provides expertise within these areas of specialization. Counselors may serve as team leaders for various aspects of the federal regulatory process and certain functional responsibilities within Financial Aid 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 problemsolve, multitask and organize in a fastpaced collaborative environment. Ability to effectively communicate.


Preferred Qualifications


Two years of experience within a Financial Aid Office. Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to functional area. Knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations related to functional area. Ability to learn and rapidly assimilate to a new office environment. Customer service experience in multiple settings. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. 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

• Analyzes and processes financial aid and/or scholarship applications for need analysis, verification documents, satisfactory academic progress and professional judgment.
• Assume accountability for and maintaining knowledge of Federal, State and Institutional guidelines and regulations which include reading, interpreting, evaluating, training and proposing recommendations for office operations.
• Counsels and educates students and families regarding federal, state and institutional policies, procedures and regulations. Counseling and routing incoming inquiries regarding financial aid application processes, aid program availability, need analysis, verification requirements, satisfactory academic progress and ineligibility for aid.
• Maintains and applies knowledge of Financial Aid Scholarships (FAS) Policy Manual and procedures and keeps abreast of information that impacts the functioning of the FAS department through the reading of related literature and by attending and participating in meetings.
• Participates in outreach initiatives that promote awareness of financial assistance and assists with preparing and conducting presentations.
• Performing detailed technical duties primarily focused on student loan programs. Responsible for processing private and state loans, as well as assisting with other areas.
• Assists with developing procedures, training materials and providing training related to specialized tasks/projects.
• Accessing, utilizing and updating information into the PeopleSoft system, ImageNow, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination Disbursement Web Site (COD) and FAA access.
• Serve as liaison between students/parents and other university personnel and related federal and state agencies.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule


Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the occasional 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.