Job Details

SUMMARYJOB DESCRIPTIONThis is a professional position responsible for assisting with theadministration of the university's financial aid programs.Responsible for interpreting, explaining, and applying federal,state, and university policies, procedures, rules, and regulationspertaining to financial aid; providing financial aid counseling toparents and students; and making independent decisions to awardfinancial aid to eligible students, ensuring eligibility, renewal,and funding program requirements are met. Works under generalsupervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative andindependent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Director, FinancialAid.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field isrequired. Related experience may be substituted for requirededucation on a basis set forth by the Department of HumanResources.Two years of related experience is required. Experience withaccounting/bookkeeping and customer service functions is required.Candidates who do not meet the experience requirement but have aMaster's degree in a related field may also be considered.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSInterprets and explains university policies and proceduresrelated to financial aid.Counsels students and parents concerning financial aid programsincluding, but not limited to, aid availability, the applicationprocess, repayment options, student loan debt, and the rights andresponsibilities associated with federal, state, and universityaid.Monitors the daily operations of assigned scholarship andstudent loan programs.Accepts and reviews financial aid verification forms, state aidapplications, and related documents for completeness andaccuracy.Processes financial aid requests, determines studenteligibility, and verifies, packages, and adjusts awards.Ensures university compliance with applicable policies,procedures, rules, regulations, and requirements when awarding andreprocessing aid to prevent over-awards and adjustments.Enters, monitors, and tracks financial aid information,including student acceptance/decline of awards, student applicationupdates, and student requirements.Acts as part of a team when reviewing complicated/complexissues between processing and technical support.Communicates with students concerning identified issues.Prepares, analyzes, and submits various special quarterly,monthly, and ad hoc reports.Assists in regular data reviews. Verifies, validates, andcorrects data as needed.Identifies and incorporates continuous changes in federaland/or state policies and procedures, ensuring university anddepartment compliance.NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAssists with special projects, when assigned.Participates in recruitment and retention activities asappropriate.Performs other related duties as assigned.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, andabilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individualcan perform the essential functions of the job, with or withoutreasonable accommodation.Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies andprocedures.Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, andlocal laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related tothe area of responsibility.Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet,database, and word processing software.Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, andrecommend solutions.Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and writtenform.Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.Ability to explain policies and procedures to current andprospective students, staff, and the public.Ability to set priorities and complete assignments ontime.Ability to exercise sound judgment in making criticaldecisions.Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, andreports.Ability to work with and maintain confidentialinformation.Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.Ability to learn office and university-specific software.SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTEmployees of the office of Financial Aid & Scholarships must bein good standing on all federal student aid loans and may not be indefault.SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENTStephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential foraccidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safeworking environment. Employees will be responsible for completingassigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations willinclude safe job performance.This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal recordcheck.This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and NetworkSecurity policy.#J-18808-Ljbffr