Enable America Jobs

Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Mon Jun 3 2024 Job Description:

Student Financial Assistance is seeking applications for the position of Financial Aid Counselor. The Financial Aid Counselor assists undergraduate and graduate students and their families with all aspects of financial aid.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Counsels and advises students and their families about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, and indebtedness

• Individualizes information to the particular needs and situations of the student

• Uses clear and understandable communication with students, parents, and potential students regarding financial aid counseling

• Assists students with estimating their educational expenses to calculate their needs for the year, and preparing a multi-year financial plan

• Notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation

• Uses enhanced internal and external communication systems to inform students and parents about financial aid awards and department's policies and procedures

• Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise judgment when interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations

• Maintains professional connections with campus colleagues and within professional organizations

• Participates with presentations of financial aid related issues during recruitment and retention events; including but not limited to Admissions events, high school events, campus events, within the state and surrounding areas.

Secondary duties include:

• Seeking improvements in services and process flow for students and families

• Assisting management with various audits and/or activities as needed

• Assists team members when necessary to enable the success of the department.

• Remains knowledgeable of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA, Privacy Act of 1974, and the HEA of 1965 and subsequent amendments

• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced & team environment

• Exceptional customer service orientation

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate sensitive and/or complex information in a confidential and straightforward manner

• Must be a creative problem solver. Must have the ability to data mine to extract data to support opinions and/or resolutions

• Proficient user, or ability to learn Microsoft Office and financial database systems (Banner)

• Must possess a high level of accuracy, self-motivation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle a heavy workload

• Familiarity with academic environment, policies and procedures

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously

• Demonstrated service aptitude and ability to work independently as well as with students, parents, and colleagues.

• Must be willing to work additional hours or alternative schedule when necessary to ensure coverage of events, etc.

  Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree

• Knowledge of regulations pertaining to federal, state and/or institutional aid programs

• Prior customer service related experience

  Additional Information:

Salary: $15.31 - $16.46/hr

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.