Financial Aid Counselor

Description

JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and financial assistance to prospective and accepted students in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, healthcare administration, medical education, biomedical sciences, post-baccalaureate studies and all other programs offered at LECOM.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are a list of Academic Exercises that may be required from time to time:

• Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM;

• Acts as administrative representative with faculty, staff and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times;

• Maintains confidentiality, professional appearance and pleasant demeanor;

• Authorize student payments and/or refunds concerning aid;

• Provide financial aid presentations to interview applicants for all programs offered at LECOM;

• Veteran's Administration Certifying Official for all students with a veteran status and process Veterans' Benefits for veterans to ensure they receive their benefit to assist with educational expenses;

• Provide counseling to students on the financial aid process for all programs offered by LECOM;

• Advise and counsel students regarding sources of financial aid, application procedures, debt management, and satisfactory academic progress;

• Award federal financial aid in compliance with regulations;

• Certify and process student loan applications;

• Determine financial need and verify aid eligibility for students;

• Coordinate with multiple agencies for the delivery of financial aid funds;

• Maintain paper and database student financial records in accordance with federal regulations;

• Assist with the development of new budgets and educational materials for each academic year;

• Conduct presentations regularly throughout the year on financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements;

• Participate in campus functions such as; commencement, ceremonies, orientation, and open houses;

• Participate in professional development programs;

• Communicate regularly with the student population regarding updates, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities;

• Data entry, clerical, and phone responsibilities necessary to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;

• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;

• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;

• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach;

OTHER DUTIES: The Department of Student Affairs works as team unit with members being cross-trained on responsibilities to facilitate daily duties. As such, other duties may include:

• Learn about all programs and be able to answer student inquiries;

• Respond to various communication inquiries regarding the admissions process;

• Conduct on-campus tours;

• Participate in the Applicant Interview process for all programs, including greeting applicants, assisting with presentations, leading tours, etc.;

• Update various applicant files and notify students of application status;

• Assist in processing applications for the Institutional Programs;

• Analyze data for all programs and create Excel graphs as requested;

• Assist with the planning and implementation of on-campus events related to admissions, including On-Campus Day, LECOM events, orientation, and the like;

• Participate in various annual college events, including Commencement, White Coat Ceremony, Hospital Day, On-Campus Day, Orientation, and Open Houses;

• Support Admissions Representatives in all Programs;

• Serve as back up support to College Receptionist, on an as-needed basis;

• Provide Student Affairs support service for enrolled students; and

• Other duties as required / needed to maintain an efficient and effective Department.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Minimum Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Strong computer literacy with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel…etc.) and accurate data entry skills;

• Enthusiastic, good sense of humor, and a professional positive attitude;

• Excellent understanding of the admissions process and a demonstrated ability to market and promote professional programs in healthcare administration, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry;

• Willingness to maintain an established work schedule;

• Adherence to all local, state, federal laws and LECOM policies and procedures;

• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet deadlines;

• Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies / procedures and/or guidelines affecting areas of responsibility;

• Ability to be self-reliant and follow instructions;

• Sound decision-making capabilities and the ability to work independently and as directed by the Institutional Director or his/her designee;

• Willingness to assume responsibility; initiate appropriate action; and maintain confidentiality;

• Knowledge of and ability to maintain confidentiality of patient (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA);

• Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols (OSHA);

• Ability to be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;

• Effective use of interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy;

• Effective use of organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;

• Time management skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;

• Willingness to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials;

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;

• Willingness to be flexible and accept other duties needed/assigned; The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect in compliance with EEO rules and regulations;

• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and

• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and experience equivalent to: a Bachelors' Degree and a minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience required. Candidates with accounting, banking, or other financial work experience are encouraged to apply.