Financial Aid Specialist-1

About the job

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Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.

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Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor will assist in ensuring the successful administration of Title IV, state, institutional and private funds made available to students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. This individual must be a dynamic, highly skilled financial aid professional. The successful candidate will provide guidance to students, parents and prospective students regarding financial aid and other pertinent financial counseling; help the financial aid team surpass all expectations; and make recommendations on awarding and procedures to meet University enrollment and customer service goals. The Financial Aid Counselor will facilitate the enrollment of students while maintaining consistency with the University mission, accreditation standards and applicable regulatory guidelines.

• Job Information:
• Duties and Responsibilities:
• Interprets federal, state and university policies and regulations to determine student eligibility for federal, state, institutional and private financial assistance.
• Ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise professional judgment when interpreting Federal and State regulations for specific student situations as directed.
• Reviews student aid applications for completeness, collects any required documentation, uses electronic tools to notify students of individual requirements and tracks receipt of needed documents.
• Reviews and packages awards and conducts a number of activities necessary for processing, tracking and delivery of grants, loans and scholarships.
• Counsels students regarding cost of attendance, methods of payment and management of financial responsibilities. This includes providing an explanation of financial aid available, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the difference between private and federal loans, the CDR, and explaining students can refuse all or borrow less than the maximum allowed.
• Collects and upload items needed for federally mandated verification process. Collaborates with KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) and student throughout process.
• Determines initial or recalculated eligibility for federal and state aid programs. Makes awards for each program based on student eligibility, availability of funds, and institutional awarding policies.
• Collaborates with Student Employment Coordinator to ensure students with a federal work-study award are given the opportunity to earn the award.
• Assist students, prospective students, and families with financial aid questions and concerns in person, over the phone, through email, and other approved means of communication.
• All other duties assigned by the Director of Financial Aid or a superior of the Director of Financial Aid

• Requirements
• Qualifications Required:
• Excellent interpersonal skills to support interaction with students and all levels of personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and serve students with outstanding customer service
• Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures and regulations as they pertain to financial aid programs
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and exercise sound judgement in reviewing applications, determining eligibility and evaluating special circumstances
• Analytical skills including the ability to multi-task and independently problem solve
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
• Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain statistical data, technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Knowledge of Federal Title IV programs highly desirable

• Education and Experience:
• Associates degree or equivalent experience in an area with a focus in finance, management, or communications
• Preferred - Previous financial aid experience
• Preferred - Familiarity with EdConnect, TDClient, NSLDS, COD, and other financial aid systems and pages

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

• Working Environment:
• Normal office setting
• Some evenings and weekends required
• Attends conferences, seminars and trainings

Statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, this job description does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the University of the Cumberlands

Benefits
Yes

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a
“life-more-abundant.”