Financial Aid Counselor

Posting Number 20112924 Position Title Financial Aid Counselor FTE 1.0 Position Type Staff Department Student Financial Aid

Position Summary Information

Job Summary/Basic Function

About This Role:

Under the direction of the Assistant Director for Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor will be involved in all aspects of financial aid administration. This position provides current and future students with information regarding available aid and financing options to our undergraduate and graduate student population.

This is accomplished by ensuring all federal and state regulations are met, ensuring correct information is reported to the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid, analyzing tax forms, W-2's and other relevant financial documents, and inputting data into the university's student database. Other duties include organizing files, maintaining office equipment and supplies for office operations reviewing files for award processes, answering questions on the application process, explaining policies and procedures to students, parents and staff, working with default management program to maintain a low school default rate, and assisting staff with related department paperwork and data. Strict adherence to established NCAA, Southland Conference, Lamar University, and Texas State University System rules and regulations. The Financial Aid Counselor works in a student-centered fast-paced team environment while complying with federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies.

What You'll Do

• Position Responsibilities

• Counsel students regarding financial aid eligibility, appropriate policies, and available funding.

• Assist 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.

• Advise students and parents on eligibility requirements for federal and state aid.

• Follow up with students concerning incomplete information; assist with students

selected for Verification.

• Communicates effectively and consistently with pertinent internal department

members from admissions, cashiering and registrar, etc.

• Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights,

orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, etc.

• Guide the student through the verification process, checking for consistency and

accuracy, until verification is complete and financial aid is awarded.

• Contribute to the overall success of the Office of Student Financial Aid by performing all other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal and written). This position involves significant interaction with students and parents.

• Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary, along with the ability to multitask effectively. This job requires the ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Works in an office environment for 6 to 8 hours

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment that does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.

• Occasional lifting, pushing, climbing, and pulling may be required.

• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks.

• Regularly use headphones and earpiece

• Occasionally lift 10-15 pounds

Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• Life insurance

• State of Texas Retirement plans

• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent.

• Paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance

• Lamar University

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree is required.

• Must be able to obtain and retain full access to NSLDS (National Student Loan Database System

• Excellent communication and counseling skills (verbal and written).

• This position involves significant interaction with students and parents.

• Strong analytical and computer proficiency skills are necessary, along with the ability to multitask effectively. This job requires the ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations.

EEO Statement

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial aid experience is preferred as well as two years of customer service experience with a high competency of computer skills.

Security Sensitive Statement

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary $37,330-$48,529 Work Hours

Application Information

Posting Date 06/20/2024 Close Date 09/20/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions