Summary/Objective
Provides comprehensive financial aid processing and student service for prospective and current students and their families. Assists with financial aid awarding, application and document review, federal and state aid programs, scholarships, loans, outside assistance, and other financial aid functions based upon office needs and assigned areas of primary responsibility. Provides assistance through in-person, telephone, email, and virtual communication and is cross-trained to support the full range of Office of Student Financial Aid operations. Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and provides support for international student processing and related services as institutional needs require.
Essential Job Duties
- Counsels prospective and current students and family members regarding financial aid options, eligibility, awards, programs, and required processes.
- Provides student and family assistance through in-person meetings, telephone, email, video appointments, and other approved communication methods.
- Performs financial aid awarding and routine award adjustments in accordance with federal and state regulations and University policy.
- Reviews FAFSA/ISIR information, financial aid applications, documents, and student records for completeness, accuracy, and resolution of routine requirements.
- Processes verification documentation and assists with resolution of routine verification issues under established procedures.
- Processes federal, state, institutional, private, and outside financial assistance as assigned.
- Processes and supports federal and private educational loan functions, including required student documentation and counseling processes.
- Processes state financial aid programs as assigned, including eligibility review, awarding, reporting, and reconciliation support.
- Processes outside scholarships and other outside financial assistance and coordinates required documentation and award adjustments.
- Processes financial aid cancellations, revisions, and other routine student award adjustments.
- Maintains accurate financial aid records and documentation in University and financial aid systems.
- Responds to Student Financial Aid telephone and email inquiries and assists with office coverage and student-facing services as assigned.
- Assists with outreach activities, presentations, financial aid events, and other student service activities as needed.
- Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the University and assists with international student processing and services as assigned.
- Maintains appropriate knowledge and training related to DSO responsibilities and assists with international student records, documentation, and processing during periods of increased workload or as institutional needs require.
- Participates in ongoing cross-training and maintains working knowledge of core Student Financial Aid functions in order to provide operational coverage during periods of increased workload or staff absence.
- Identifies complex, unusual, or regulatory matters requiring review by an Assistant Director, Director, or other designated supervisor.
- Sets an example of a Christian lifestyle for students, staff, and faculty and demonstrates commitment and adherence to Southwest Baptist University's Principles and Expectations.
- Maintains regular attendance and punctuality and performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Position Requirements
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Knowledge of basic computer skills, including word processing and database software.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and learn financial aid and student information systems.
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
- Ability to organize, follow established procedures, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
- Ability to provide effective and professional service to students and families.
- Ability to meet and maintain federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO).
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree.
- Two years of previous office, higher education, or related experience.
- Background in customer service.
- Previous financial aid, student services, loan processing, or related experience.
- Experience with spreadsheets, word processing, and financial aid management systems.
- Experience working with international students, SEVIS, or F-1 student processes.
Work Environment
- Must be able to work in a typical office environment.
- Must be able to operate standard office equipment and applicable financial aid and student information systems.
- Must be available to work varied hours and participate in University activities, financial aid events, or international student processing activities as needed.
Physical Abilities
- Occasionally moves about the work environment to access files, office equipment, and other resources.
- Frequently communicates with students and families regarding financial aid and assigned student services and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.