What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor I position at Stephen F. Austin University?
This is a professional position responsible for assisting with the administration of the university’s financial aid programs. Responsible for interpreting, explaining, and applying federal, state, and university policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to financial aid; providing financial aid counseling to parents and students; and making independent decisions to award financial aid to eligible students, ensuring eligibility, renewal, and funding program requirements are met. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Director, Financial Aid.
Essential Job Functions
1. Interprets and explains university policies and procedures related to financial aid.
2. Counsels students and parents concerning financial aid programs including, but not limited to, aid availability, the application process, repayment options, student loan debt, and the rights and responsibilities associated with federal, state, and university aid.
3. Monitors the daily operations of assigned scholarship and student loan programs.
4. Accepts and reviews financial aid verification forms, state aid applications, and related documents for completeness and accuracy.
5. Processes financial aid requests, determines student eligibility, and verifies, packages, and adjusts awards.
6. Ensures university compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and requirements when awarding and reprocessing aid to prevent over-awards and adjustments.
7. Enters, monitors, and tracks financial aid information, including student acceptance/decline of awards, student application updates, and student requirements.
8. Acts as part of a team when reviewing complicated/complex issues between processing and technical support.
9. Communicates with students concerning identified issues.
10. Prepares, analyzes, and submits various special quarterly, monthly, and ad hoc reports.
11. Assists in regular data reviews. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
12. Identifies and incorporates continuous changes in federal and/or state policies and procedures, ensuring university and department compliance.
Non-Essential Job Functions
2. Counsels students and parents concerning financial aid programs including, but not limited to, aid availability, the application process, repayment options, student loan debt, and the rights and responsibilities associated with federal, state, and university aid.
3. Monitors the daily operations of assigned scholarship and student loan programs.
4. Accepts and reviews financial aid verification forms, state aid applications, and related documents for completeness and accuracy.
5. Processes financial aid requests, determines student eligibility, and verifies, packages, and adjusts awards.
6. Ensures university compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and requirements when awarding and reprocessing aid to prevent over-awards and adjustments.
7. Enters, monitors, and tracks financial aid information, including student acceptance/decline of awards, student application updates, and student requirements.
8. Acts as part of a team when reviewing complicated/complex issues between processing and technical support.
9. Communicates with students concerning identified issues.
10. Prepares, analyzes, and submits various special quarterly, monthly, and ad hoc reports.
11. Assists in regular data reviews. Verifies, validates, and corrects data as needed.
12. Identifies and incorporates continuous changes in federal and/or state policies and procedures, ensuring university and department compliance.
1. Assists with special projects, when assigned.
2. Participates in recruitment and retention activities as appropriate.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
2. Participates in recruitment and retention activities as appropriate.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
7. Ability to explain policies and procedures to current and prospective students, staff, and the public.
8. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
9. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
10. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
11. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
12. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
13. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
Physical Demands Required Education
1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
3. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
4. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
7. Ability to explain policies and procedures to current and prospective students, staff, and the public.
8. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
9. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
10. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
11. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
12. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
13. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field is required. Related experience may be substituted for required education on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.
Required Experience and Training
Two years of related experience is required. Experience with accounting/bookkeeping and customer service functions is required. Candidates who do not meet the experience requirement, but have a Master’s degree in a related field may also be considered.
Preferred Qualifications Special Conditions for Eligibility
This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.
Min Pay Rate Mid Pay Rate Salary Information Salary Grade - 14 Specific Job Requirements/Duties for this Posting
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.
Applicants must have the ability to access all federal financial aid websites (NSLDS, COD, etc.).
Is Background Check Required? Yes Benefit and Retirement Eligibility
This position is eligible for participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
EEO Statement
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S2025-015
Candidates Eligible to Apply
Open to all qualified applicants
Number of Positions Available
2
Posted Date
02/07/2025
Review Start Date
Close Date
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday with occasional weekends.
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Posting Quick Link
https://careers.sfasu.edu/postings/12576
Contact Information
Contact Name
Dora Luna
Contact Phone
(936)468-2085
Contact Email
dora.luna@sfasu.edu
Contact Information
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Which of the following best represents your education background?
- Completed High School Diploma or GED
- Completed some college
- Completed Associates Degree
- Completed Bachelor's Degree
- Completed Master's Degree
- Completed Doctoral Degree or ABD
- If you completed a college degree, please indicate your major field of study.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Which of the following best represents the number of years experience you possess relating to the job to which you are applying?
- Less than two years
- Two to three years
- Four to five years
- Six to seven years
- Eight to nine years
- Ten or more years
- * Describe your previous experience in accounting/bookkeeping.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Please describe any previous experience you have working in a customer service environment.
(Open Ended Question)
- * How many years of experience do you have with general office practices and procedures?
- 1- less than 2
- 2- less than 3
- 3- less than 4
- 4-less than 5
- 5
- * Describe your proficiency and experience with basic office software (word processing, email/ scheduling/contacts, web browser, spreadsheets, filing, etc.).
(Open Ended Question)
- * Do you have experience working with confidential information?
- Yes
- No
- * I understand that the duties of this position require me to have the ability to access all federal financial aid websites (NSLDS, COD, etc.). To be granted access and clearance to these systems, an individual cannot be in default on any type of federal student loan.
- Yes
- No
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Transcript(s)
- Letter of Recommendation
- List of References
