Financial Aid Counselor

Job description

T hank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University. The Office of Financial Aid is seeking qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in the position of Financial Aid Counselor. The position is responsible for managing the TOPS state scholarship program to ensure that awards are credited to student accounts in a timely manner. This individual will be responsible for the following duties: Maintain a pro-active TOPS program to ensure there is a balance of funds across internal office systems and LOSFA and timely reporting of grades and billing. Award other grants and process student files, counseling students and families regarding scholarship requirements and financial aid regulations. Understand financial aid packaging concepts, correcting over-awards and processing requests for revisions on an as-needed basis. Help students and their families navigate financial aid processes and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial Aid Counselors must display excellent customer service skills and have a strong commitment to quality service and professionalism. Each counselor must multi-task in an office environment with frequent interruptions and distractions while maintaining effective results. Efficient time management skills, compassion, empathy, discretion, independent work ethic as well as collaboration are also all necessary skills for this position. Louisiana Tech University provides over $100 million annually to its students through a combination of federal, state, institutional and private sources. The Office of Financial Aid operates under the Division of Student Advancement and works as a part of the University team to accomplish the mission and provide timely, accurate aid to applicants. Required Qualifications : This position requires a minimum of an earned bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Other essential, required skills include the following: Hands-on experience with PC based information systems Proficiency with Microsoft Office products Solid written and verbal communication skills Decision-making skills with attention to details Work with integrity and confidentiality Travel as needed up to 10%. Preferred Qualifications : In addition to the above requirements, familiarity with the following would enhance an applicant’s fit for this position: PowerFAIDS software knowledge Understanding of LOSFA Scholarship programs and requirements Workday software or other Student Information System user experience Successful experience in a financial aid office. Basis of Employment and Salary: Employment is on a 12-month basis. Employees serve at the pleasure of the President of the University. Relocation costs are not paid by the University. This is an on-site position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Application Process: Applicants may submit materials online or via email or paper delivery to the addresses listed below. Application packets must contain ALL of the following: A cover letter outlining relevant experience in relation to its applicability to this position, A current resumé which includes a chronology of employment, The names, telephone numbers, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references, one of whom was a supervisor within the last five years, AND An unofficial copy of your academic transcript from the school from which you received your highest degree. Incomplete applications will not receive consideration. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity and ADA Employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including veterans and persons with disabilities. Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled. Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration. Note to Applicant: Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.