Financial Aid Counselor

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Financial Aid & Scholarships (FAS) Office is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals by providing effective and meaningful financial aid assistance. FAS is responsible for processing financial aid applications, administrating various financial aid programs, and providing financial aid counseling to students and their families.

Position Overview

Financial Aid & Scholarships (FAS) at the University of North Texas is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to join our Loan Team. This position involves providing professional, comprehensive support to students and families regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Responsibilities include awarding financial aid, calculating federal need analysis eligibility, performing detailed technical tasks, conducting financial aid presentations, maintaining up to date regulatory knowledge, completing special projects, and supporting educational loan program operations.
The Financial Aid Counselor plays an essential role in advancing a first point of contact service model by collaborating with Financial Aid, Admissions, the Registrar, Student Accounting, and other university departments. Team members utilize the Federal Student Aid Handbook to recommend office policies, develop training materials, and create procedural documentation to ensure accurate and consistent service to students.
Additionally, Counselors may serve as team leaders for components of the federal regulatory process or other specialized functional responsibilities within FAS. This role requires strong technical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree and two years of office administration experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Ability to problemsolve, multitask and organize in a fastpaced collaborative environment. Ability to effectively communicate.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of experience within a financial aid office.Knowledge of university policies and procedures related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate).Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations related to functional area (or ability to rapidly assimilate).Working knowledge of the federal regulations that govern the Return to Title IV calculations.Customer service experience in multiple settings.Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.The physical ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time.Ability to problemsolve and make decisions.Skill in composing routine letters and preparing reports.Skill in recording and compiling material for reports.Ability to work independently.Excel and data analysis experience.Strong public speaking skills.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

As a condition of hire and continued employment, must be in good standing on all federal student loans and must grant permission for the office to access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to verify such standing.

Job Duties

• Counsel and educate students and families regarding federal, state and institutional policies, procedures and regulations. Route incoming inquiries as appropriate regarding financial aid applications, aid program availability, need analysis, verification requirements, and satisfactory academic progress.
• Analyze and process financial aid and/or scholarship applications for need analysis, verification documents, satisfactory academic progress and professional judgment. 
• Maintain and apply knowledge of FAS Policy Manual and procedures and keep abreast of information that impacts the functioning of the department through the reading of related literature and by attending and participating in meetings. Propose recommendation for office operations, when needed, based on changes to regulations and programs. 
• Participate in outreach initiatives that promote awareness of financial assistance. Prepare and conduct presentations as assigned. 
• Perform detailed technical duties primarily focused on student loan programs. Including, but not limited to, Return to Title IV. 
• Access, utilize and update information in PeopleSoft, Perceptive Content, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination Disbursement (COD) website, FAA Access to CPS Online website, and other associated software programs. 
• Serve as liaison between students/parents and other university personnel and related federal and state agencies. 
• Assist with developing procedures, training materials and providing training related to tasks/projects. 

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8-5pm, with occasional nights/weekends.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.