Job TitleFinancial Aid Advisor III Agency Texas A&M University Department Scholarships And Financial Aid Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationFort Worth, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. Who We Are The mission of Scholarships & Financial Aid is to provide students and their families with information and financial resources to attend Texas A&M University, along with support programs that promote higher education and developmental opportunities. We administer scholarships and financial aid, which include the following programs: grants, student loans, student employment, veteran educational benefits, athletic aid coordination, short-term loans, and emergency tuition and fee loans. In addition our office provides advising on the programs listed above. Our office also assist students in gaining financial literacy knowledge through our Money Education Center. Our office is responsible for processing student aid and veteran educational benefits for College Station, Galveston, all Health Science Center sites and Qatar which totaled approximately $836 million in financial aid assistance for the prior academic year. What We Want Scholarships & Financial Aid is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor III to counsel and provide information on federal, state and institutional scholarships, financial aid & military education benefits for currently enrolled and prospective Law students. We're looking for a passionate, critical thinking, and driven individual who has a student first mindset to assist and advise students on available aid to finance their education. The successful candidate provides great customer service, has the ability to meet deadlines, succeeds in a fast pace environment, and maintains a high level of accuracy and professionalism. The Financial Aid Advisor III will learn to advise current and prospective students and their families both in one-on-one and group settings. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial aid, scholarships, student employment, student services, military education benefits or in a related area. Detail-oriented, well-organized, customer service oriented, and the ability to work both individually and in a team setting are all crucial for success in this position. If this description appeals to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity. What You Need to Know Annual Salary: $52,000 Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. Other Requirements or Other Factors: Requires some evening and week-end work, as well as travel. Must comply with Texas A&M System Policy 07.02 - Texas Higher Education Fair Lending Practices. Must be in good standing on all Federal Student Loans. The U.S. Dept. of Education will not grant access to student loan data for any individual who is in default status. Access to such information is a necessity for this position. Must be able to rectify default status within three months of employment. Good standing must be maintained for continued employment. Qualifications Required Education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Experience: Three years in financial aid, scholarships, student employment, student veterans’ services or related experience. Preferred Experience: Five years in student financial aid or advising experience at a college level. Management and supervisory skills. Two years in a student financial aid specialty area. Personnel and program management experience. Experience in an enrollment management area focusing on outreach and/or retention. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to meet deadlines and maintain a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and customer service orientation. Knowledge of financial aid counseling, verification, rules, and regulations. Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs. Ability to work individually or as a team in a dynamic organization. Good interpersonal communication skills. Must be literate in the English language and able to comprehend, give and follow both written and verbal instructions. Ability to organize and make decisions. Ability to relate well with a student population. Ability to work well under pressure. Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and judgment in dealing with all customers. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others. Preferred Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of current versions of Microsoft products, including Windows and Office. Knowledge of Financial Aid or Student Information Systems. Bilingual in Spanish. Background in general office conditions with much time spend in contact with students. Knowledge of rules, regulations, and best practices in specialty area. Ability to develop and make presentations. Knowledge of enrollment management focusing on outreach and/or retention. Job Responsibilities ADVISING: Uses discretion and independent judgment to advise and counsel students, parents, and/or prospective students through scholarships, loans, grants, employment, and financial counseling; responds to questions and counseling needs in-person and by written, phone, and e-mail means from currently enrolled students, prospective students and parents. Assists students to resolve questions and complaints. Provides loan and indebtedness counseling to students on an individual and group basis. Uses independent judgment to provide support to colleges and departments as needed. Assists with review, revision, and interpretation of complex rules, regulations, procedures, and policies relating to general financial aid, scholarships, and team specialty area(s). Awards revises, and/or approves the awarding of financial aid through the specific controls of program policy and guidelines. Assists in developing and presenting training seminars on pertinent topics and procedures within team area of expertise; learns to provide assistance and guidance to other financial aid staff to ensure that processing activities adhere to established policies and procedures; performs other duties as assigned. Uses discretion to respond to varied questions that may require researching and consolidating data regarding financial aid, scholarships, and specialized programs; conducts seminars and gives presentations to include classroom and/or professional level for professionals and others. Performs reviews for professional judgment of student files, making adjustments as needed; reviews Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals and makes decisions regarding the validity of these appeals. May present at local or state conferences. Plans and executes special events for specific audiences and in support of departmental initiatives; transitions students from prospective to currently enrolled students; participates in and may lead departmental work groups. Attends local, state, and national workshops and conferences; some travel is required. STUDENT BUSINESS SERVICES FUNCTIONS: Answer incoming calls, and handle walk-in customers with questions regarding their bills. Will assist with Late Fee Waiver Requests. May answer RightNow Incidents and answer student/parent questions out of RightNow Technology concerning their accounts. May perform collections for Student Accounts Receivable. Will assist with Id Card Administration. VETERAN BENEFITS PROCESSING: Serves as VA Certifying Official for the School of Law. Assists with student and applicant Veteran and Hazelwood processing and certification. Assists students in resolving questions and complaints with the Veteran Administration, Texas Veterans Commission, and/or the School of Law. Coordinates with Veteran Services Office (VSO) on Texas A&M College Station campus to ensure compliance in benefit processing and consistency in policies and procedures between the two campuses. Calls into weekly VSO meetings and other VSO related trainings/meetings as needed. GENERAL: Interprets and maintains knowledge of current federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to financial aid, student employment, scholarships, and accounts receivable at TAMU. Develops and revises financial aid consumer information materials, publications, and brochures for currently enrolled and prospective students, parents, colleges, departments, and university use. With direction from Supervisor, responsible for maintaining all Financial Aid production calendars and regular monthly financial aid website updates. 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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Howdy and thank you for your interest in a career with Texas A&M University. As the flagship campus of The Texas A&M University System, we are located in College Station, Texas with a student population of more than 74,000 and nearly 14,000 faculty and staff. The Spirit of Aggieland is unmistakable. We are a unique American institution, fostering a culture of friendliness, compassion and respect for one another. Our unique history and rich traditions make Texas A&M special. From our benefits package and professional development opportunities to our retirement programs, Texas A&M is a great place to work. Your path to a great career starts here! Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 845-5154. Useful Links: Benefit Programs Retirement Employee Discount Program Flexible Spending Accounts University Holidays Legal Statements New Employee Orientation Prospective Employees Safety and Security Notices Training and Development USERRA Nondiscrimination Notice