Financial Aid Counselor

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor position will share in the review and processing of financial aid applications relative to federal, state, private, and institutional assistance. This position is directly responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Will determine student eligibility in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures. Responsible for counseling students and parents on matters concerning financial aid eligibility, cost of attendance, providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs, and using professional judgment in considering individual student requests for special consideration, satisfactory academic progress, dependency overrides, and debt management issues.

Essential Job Duties

• Possess a working knowledge of federal regulations that govern financial aid administration
• Skilled in Federal aid verification policies and procedures
• Skilled at independently making sound, professional decisions, and judgments
• Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct student aid awareness activities
• Strong knowledge of financial aid systems and application processing
• Strong technical proficiency, with the ability to analyze and comprehend technical information and produce technical reports
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage a large volume of applications
• A high degree of accuracy, with strong attention to details
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• A high degree of integrity; ability to work in a sensitive, highly confidential, and professional environment
• Able to perform job functions under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, and public/student contact.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing to exchange information, give/receive instructions and respond to inquiries appropriately with all students, faculty, staff and community partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office technologies including but not limited to: office computers, fax machines, scanners, internet, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Accurate typing/data entry skills and demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills beyond a set of instructions and adapt to changes when necessary.
• Ability to make appropriate recommendations based on logical and justifiable reasoning.
• Ability to use analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret written policies and procedures.
• Passion for assisting customers and representing the OSU-OKC and OSU brand with positivity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated history of ethical and professional behavior.
  
  

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Resume and Cover Letter required for full consideration Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Position Qualification

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Work Experience

Three years of responsible financial aid processing experience; however, consideration will be given if the candidate possesses less than three years' experience but is currently functioning in a similar position.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Possess a working knowledge of federal regulations that govern financial aid administration
• Skilled in Federal aid verification policies and procedures
• Skilled at independently making sound, professional decisions, and judgments
• Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct student aid awareness activities
• Strong knowledge of financial aid systems and application processing
• Strong technical proficiency, with the ability to analyze and comprehend technical information and produce technical reports
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage a large volume of applications
• A high degree of accuracy, with strong attention to details
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• A high degree of integrity; ability to work in a sensitive, highly confidential, and professional environment
• Able to perform job functions under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, and public/student contact.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing to exchange information, give/receive instructions and respond to inquiries appropriately with all students, faculty, staff and community partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office technologies including but not limited to: office computers, fax machines, scanners, internet, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Accurate typing/data entry skills and demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills beyond a set of instructions and adapt to changes when necessary.
• Ability to make appropriate recommendations based on logical and justifiable reasoning.
• Ability to use analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret written policies and procedures.
• Passion for assisting customers and representing the OSU-OKC and OSU brand with positivity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated history of ethical and professional behavior.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance computer literacy
• Proficiency with Ellucian Banner software.
• Experience working with the financial aid process
• Strong working knowledge with Department of Education Software
• Public speaking experience
  
  

Working Conditions

• Will work a flexible schedule, some evenings or weekends in extended enrollment periods.
• Work will be performed in an office environment with a significant amount of public contact, in person, by telephone, via email, and various communication platforms.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• During peak enrollment and processing, one must handle a high volume of phone calls and student inquiries.
• Duties require extended periods of sitting, standing, talking, listening, and computer usage.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds. (If an object weights more than 45 lbs., OSU-Oklahoma City requires this to be a two-person lift).
  
  

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.