Financial Aid Counselor - FT

Position Summary:

The position of Financial Aid Counselor is an integral part of Mount Mary University's student enrollment and retention team, which requires an enthusiastic, high-energy individual. The individual must be committed to personal attention and follow up with prospective and enrolled students. The Financial Aid Counselor will work closely with the Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Services to ensure that the Financial Aid & Veterans Services Office and its services play an efficient and successful part in the recruitment and retention of Mount Mary students.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Counsel students and parents regarding financial aid award offers, eligibility, and processes
• Analyze and process financial aid applications to determine eligibility and awards, in accordance with federal, state, donor, and institutional guidelines
• Administer timely overall functions of the state programs, including voucher funds and return funds. Maintain state roster list, balance fund periodically, reconcile state programs and assist as required with annual audits
• Manage state reporting
• Review all graduate and special students' files for verification. Request additional information if discrepancy, if needed/correcting ISIRs'
• Request additional information as needed based on analysis and review
• Performs verifications to resolve discrepancies in awards
• Notifies students of any changes in their aid eligibility
• Utilizes information systems to input data, maintain databases, conduct research, and generates reports utilizing student data.
• Selects and notifies recipients for specific programs in a timely manner
• Address inquires from students, parents, or guardians regarding financial aid programs and eligiblity, both in person and in writing
• Analyzes system generated reports (e.g. grades, enrollment status, award status) to ensure continued compliance and eligibility for students receiving aid.
• Resolves financial aid issues and questions received via email, texts, and phone calls
• Assists in the reconciliation of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to ensure compliance
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at events, including Graduate and Adult Open Houses and Undergraduate Admissions Open Houses
• Conducts FAFSA workshops and financial aid presentations
• Adheres to FERPA policies and keeping current on updates to state and federal regulations
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Previous experience in Financial Aid preferred
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; must be able to communicate and interact effectively with prospective and current students
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills necessary
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk or stand
• Some repetitive motion may be required

Working Conditions:

• Can be scheduled for up to 40 hours a week, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year

Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision, and values.

For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Mount Mary please visit http://www.mtmary.edu/about/diversity