Financial Aid Counselor

Division of Student Financial Services – Abilene, Texas
Full-time, mid-level position

About the role

We seek a Financial Aid Counselor to work within an established framework for financial services in support of student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and graduation goals.

Responsibilities

• Counsel student applicants and parents on matters concerning financial aid packages.
• Evaluate student problems and requests regarding financial aid awards, and take appropriate action.
• Advise students regarding financial eligibility, aid programs, planning, budgeting, and debt management.
• Maintain currency in financial aid packaging, state and federal regulations related to financial aid, and University policies and procedures.
• Maintain communication with students through University channels of email, text messaging, social media, and on-campus advertising.
• Counsel students in necessary documentation to complete verification and awards.
• Create and update financial aid forms and multimedia that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and ability to engage diverse student populations.
• Assist in improving initial award packages and information relevant for students and parents.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma and college hours towards a degree.
• A combination of two years of experience in student financial aid, student services, student personnel, customer service, or related experience.
• Superior communication, customer service, and time management skills as well as a professional demeanor.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends during peak, high-volume periods.
• Ability to organize, prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, stay on task, and manage workload with efficiency and quality within a highly computerized environment.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, and diplomacy in advising and responding to questions and concerns from students and their families.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency with software including MS Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of state and federal aid programs.
• Experience in a higher education Financial Aid environment and familiarity with Financial Aid software such as PowerFAIDs and Jenzabar.
• Prior experience making presentations to groups of various sizes.
• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and verbal.