Financial Aid Counselor II

Utah Valley University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor! Workin under the direction of the leadership of Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, provides leadership and program management for the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Work Study, Gainful Employment, and Private Education Loan programs. Oversees and aids in processing Return of Title IV funds, Pell Recalculations, and Post Withdrawal Disbursements. Manages various state, institutional, and third-party scholarship, and grant programs. Conducts student need analysis, performs packaging of student aid, certifies federal and private loan eligibility, executes professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility, and reconciles federal student aid programs. Researches federal regulations and information in review of financial aid applications and related documentation for compliance. Provides assistance to students and parents in the completion of financial aid applications.  Reviews financial aid files to ensure accuracy and compliance in awarding aid to students. Must be able to obtain access to Federal Government databases pertaining to federal student aid.

• Works with a team of Counselor II's processing and updating student accounts in regard to Return of Title IV Funds and overseeing federal and other financial aid programs, such as Direct Loans, Work Study, Pell Grant, Private Education Loans, Gainful Employment and various State, Institutional and third-party scholarship and grant programs.

• Daily processing of reports and peripheral documentation pertaining to federal aid eligibility and awarding. Contacts federal agencies to resolve student aid discrepancies.

• Advise students and parents in person, email, service tickets, and over the phone concerning federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

• Develops training programs and informs and/or trains campus departments on federal, state, and institutional funding requirements.

• Assists in the development of training manuals. Continued education through state, regional, and federal trainings. Performs regular area internal audits.

• Assists co-workers when needed to ensure the successful operation of the department. Perform other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree plus three to five years of related experience, including two years of supervisory experience OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling at least seven years.Knowledge

• Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to financial aid and scholarships including need analysis, eligibility assessment, verification, packaging strategies, loan awarding, default prevention, Federal Work Study, Return of Title IV, and evaluation of academic progress.

• Knowledge of financial aid institutional policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of computerized financial aid systems, preferably Banner.

• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, power point, internet tools, email systems, and other general computer skills.

Skills

• High technical aptitude and skill in problem solving, technical troubleshooting, decision-making, and prioritizing.

• Effectively uses interpersonal skills and communications skills, including tact, diplomacy, understanding, compassion and valuing all contributions, while maintaining adherence to policies.

• Effectively using organizational and planning skills, with acute attention to detail, exacting accuracy, and follow-through.

Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from all different backgrounds.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems in an effective and professional manner.

• Shows initiative and has ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

• Ability to learn quickly.

• Ability to effectively provide knowledge, and expertise to students, parents, and staff.

• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

• Ability to gain and maintain access to federal student aid databases.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all student records in compliance with federal and state regulations (i.e., FERPA, GRAMA, etc.)

• Ability to effectively create, compose, and edit written materials.