POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Financial Aid Counselor
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1870
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Financial Aid Coordinator
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Vice President for Student Affairs
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Financial Aid Counselor's duties include counseling and advising students and parents on the various financial aid programs, assisting with the administration of one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs, evaluating Financial Aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various financial aid programs, and collecting data and keeping accurate records.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
Experience: One year of successful professional work experience is required; experience in financial aid, university administration, or a related field is preferred. Preference will be given to individuals with more than minimum experience in a highly automated, financial aid office at an institution which resembles Missouri State University in size and complexity of program administration.
Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, high school counselors, fellow employees, college administrators, and other constituents of the University. Must be comfortable speaking before groups of students and parents. Must be able to relate effectively to all publics and must have strong organizational and time management skills. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures optimal use of financial aid funds by awarding funds from the various university-controlled programs to students in accordance with established federal, state, and University guidelines.
2. Promotes a positive image of the Financial Aid Office by making group presentations which explain both the various financial aid programs and associated application processes.
3. Ensures student and parent awareness of the various financial aid sources during counseling sessions by providing information to them and answering their questions regarding financial aid sources.
4. Assists students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms; by advising them of their rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid; and by providing them with information about the status of their financial aid applications.
5. Determines students' eligibility for the various financial aid programs by evaluating their applications.
6. Adheres to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) rules as communicated by the Associate Director of Athletics, Compliance related to dealings with student-athletes and/or Athletics Department personnel and reports any concerns or possible violations of those guidelines to the immediate supervisor.
7. Assists with the smooth operation of the department by assisting the Financial Aid Coordinator in the administration of one or more financial aid programs managed by the Unit.
8. Develops students' money management skills by assisting students with financial planning.
9. Contributes to broad based management of the Financial Aid Office by providing input to office policy and procedure decisions.
10. Assists in the preparation of required statistical reports by collecting data and keeping accurate records on programs administered by the Financial Aid Office and by designing and revising forms as appropriate.
11. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development coursed, and attending training and/or courses required by the Financial Aid Coordinator.
13. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Student Financial Aid by performing all other duties as assigned by the Financial Aid Coordinator.
SUPERVISION
The Financial Aid Counselor receives supervision from the Assistant Director and/or the Financial Aid Coordinator.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2011
