Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Evaluates and analyzes financial information submitted by applicants to determine eligibility for financial assistance and determine type and amount of aid to be awarded in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.  Coordinates the awarding of all federal and state student aid funding, University and private scholarships. Provides professional assistance to students by advising and assisting them with financial planning.   

Ensures compliance with federal and state statutes, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Science, or a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a minimum of one year of experience in counseling, budgeting, public relations, or computer technology; and demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills required. The ability to work with a diverse population of students, and learn and understand federal and state regulations and financial aid procedures are critical elements of this position.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Counsels students and their families in various aspects of obtaining federal, state and private organization funding for post secondary education; and determines whether students meet established criteria.
2. Advises students in budgeting and debt management and in alternative ways to meet the expenses associated with higher education.
3. Assists students with credit-hour changes that effect their financial aid eligibility, by adjusting aid packages throughout the academic year as necessary.
4. Audits qualified students' Academic Progress Reports to ensure minimum credit hours have been met and passing grades have been satisfactorily achieved to meet established criteria.
5. Reviews student files and performs a need analysis, utilizing a formula consistent with federal regulations to evaluate the level and type of assistance that can be offered.
6. Evaluates and renders decisions pertaining to appeals and exceptions to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
7. Participates in the coordination and implementation of the Institutional Quality Assurance Program as outlined by the Department of Education, to identify and correct actual and potential liability areas.
8. Conducts on and off-campus workshops for students interested in applying for financial aid, and participates in on-campus orientations for new students and parents, non-traditional, athletes, low income, minority, Law and Medical students.
9. Attends meetings and training sessions, and reads frequent governmental communiqués to keep current of rapidly changing financial aid rules and regulations.
10. Advises campus outreach agencies on financial aid matters to assist minority and disadvantaged students.
11. Evaluates scholarship applications for entering freshmen.
12. Assists in the training of peer counselors.

Problem Solving

The incumbent has the authority to determine student eligibility and approve or deny federal funding; make adjustments to eligibility according to changed circumstances; and make decisions pertaining to appeals for an exception to policy while remaining in compliance with federal regulations. He/she also has authority to release registration holds; waive late fees and bill students; as well as monitor the quantitative and qualitative academic progress (Satisfactory Academic Progress) of students receiving financial aid. The Counselor reviews appeals as a committee member in instances where aid has been denied for the purpose of making a consensus determination.

Most decisions regarding a student's individual aid can be handled at the counselor level. Referrals to the supervisor are generally made only when the student is not satisfied with the decision, or explanation he/she has received.

Problems most frequently encountered by the incumbent involve staying current with, dealing with and understanding the myriad aspects of changes in the laws that relate to federal student aid programs. The incumbent follows detail procedures and ensures a posture of compliance; assists students who are emotionally distraught over financial aid denial; and address problems found in the coordination and implementation of Quality Assurance Program.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.