Job Title: FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR

Reports to: Financial Aid Director
FSLA: Non-Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION/PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The role involves advising a section of the Financial Aid Applicant pool, assisting them in completing financial aid applications, and processing aid for these students. This includes data entry, awarding and packaging aid, and electronically processing loan applications. The primary focus is on delivering high-quality customer service to the clients being served.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Advise a portion of the Financial Aid applicant pool with a focus on quality customer service.

2. Assist financial aid applicants in completing financial aid applications

3. Counsel applicants on types of aid available and the application process

4. Review financial aid applications for completeness and accuracy. Initiate correspondence to applicants regarding incomplete files. Complete federal verification of applications selected by the Federal Processor.

5. Process aid for a portion of the applicant pool.

6. Administer all financial aid programs including but not limited to the data entry, packaging, and awarding of all Title IV, State, and institutional funds including work-study and scholarships, and outside aid sources.

7. Electronic processing of Pell grant and loan data.

8. Maintain current knowledge of all developments in needs analysis and federal and state regulations. Attend conferences, workshops, and training as needed.

9. Provide backup to other areas in the Financial Aid Office as needed.

10. Assist in preparing institutional, state, and federal reports.

11. Maintain correspondence to include completion of BIA needs analysis, DHS, WIA, Housing Authority Forms, award notifications to students, document requests to students, etc.

12. Advise students regarding the withdrawal process and calculate the return of Title IV aid.

13. Provide entrance and exit loan counseling as needed. Assist borrowers to resolve delinquency and avoid default.

14. Import daily all financial aid applications, review the ISIRs for previous transactions, and make sure they are delivered to the proper counselor.

15. Responsible for completing reports such as but not limited to OK Promise, OTAG, and Tuition Waiver Reports.

16. Ability to be flexible and adaptable to change; willingness to accept new/different assignments.

17. Ability to work in a high-stress environment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Previous financial aid experience and/or higher education experience in admissions, records, or recruiting is highly desired.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

• Knowledge of the regulations governing federal and state student financial aid programs preferred.

• Basic knowledge of computers is required.

• Reliable punctuality and attendance are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

TO APPLY: Applications should consist of (1) a detailed cover letter addressing the expectations of the position; (2) a current resume/curriculum vitae; (3) a list of three professional references with complete contact information and a notation describing the work relationship with each; and (4) a completed *Disclosure Statement. (Official transcripts are required upon hiring.)

Applications should be sent electronically to Employment Services at es@ecok.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information about ECU

***Please do not include a full Social Security Number on documents. Please provide only the last four (4) digits. We may never receive your information if a full Social Security Number is listed on any document. Our email system will reject emails if it detects a full Social Security Number, therefore Employment Services will not receive your information. ***

East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Admin. 160, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.