Student Financial Services Counselor

Student Financial Services Counselor

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Student Financial Services

LOCATION: Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Financial Services

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing personal and financial aid application counseling to students and families so that students can fully understand their financial aid options and establish a plan for paying for their Davenport education. Counselors assist in the administration of Financial Aid programs in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. This position makes decisions to award funds to students eligible for scholarships and grants. This position is responsible for customer service of students' billing questions, payment options, refunds and book vouchers. These responsibilities are performed in an ethical manner consistent with the University's mission, vision, and values which include diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist and advise students, parents/families and enrollment staff with questions concerning the financial aid application or process.
• Assist and advise students, parents/families, and enrollment staff with questions regarding student account charges, billing, payment options, and excess financial aid refunds.
• Determine aid application completeness and request additional documentation as required while accounting for variances in the requests vs the requirements.
• Determine student eligibility for state, federal, and institutional aid.
• Determine loan eligibility, complete the origination process, perform edit resolutions, and follow up on disbursement dates and amounts with lenders/servicers/direct loan contacts.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial aid paperwork submitted by students; verify students for eligibility federal, state, and institutional aid; package aid and recalculate financial aid when student situations change.
• Responsible for auditing and reconciling financial aid accounts and packaging financial aid awards.
• Communicate knowledge of federal, state, and institutional programs.
• Process financial aid forms
• Communicate financial aid procedures; communicate and monitor Standards of Academic Progress.
• Discuss Davenport procedures for refunds and withdrawals, Federal and state work-study and Federal loan programs.
• Utilize software and other technology necessary to perform responsibilities.
• Discuss with families and current/prospective students various options to meet educational expenses.
• Assist with proper filing procedures and calculate estimated cost of attendance, as needed.
• Review student requests for special consideration. Gather documentation and advise students regarding revised needs and/or awards.
• Provide regular counseling to students regarding loan responsibilities and other financial aid program options, which may include entrance and exit counseling, loan aggregate counseling, promissory note completion, etc.
• Ensure timely communications to students relevant to deadlines and financial aid requirements.
• Participate in events and outreach activities to the community and other areas of the University (i.e. orientation, etc.).
• Attend financial aid meetings and workshops as approved by supervisor.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, and procedures as they pertain to student financial aid.
• Maintain a general knowledge of all of Davenport's programs and operations and be able to direct students to appropriate resources.
• Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC, and national affiliations associated with athletics or other role-specific regulations.
• Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
• Demonstrate and promote the University''s Cultural Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Previous financial aid experience preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of the financial aid regulations preferred.
• Demonstrated positive organizational and technical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, develop goals, meet deadlines, and accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems and financial data.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and oral which transcend diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, faculty, staff, and others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem-solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the University.
• Must be able to work an irregular schedule, evenings or Saturdays as needed, additional hours during peak times, or as required.
• Business office environment. Prolonged sitting and standing. Use of personal computer and telephone (eye and hand strain).
• Occasional travel, including overnight stays (own transportation). No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Revision Date: 1-21-2021