Job Description
Job ID
12441
Location
Case Main Campus
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Financial Aid Counselor will administer financial aid for undergraduate and graduate programs of study in accordance with general plans. A financial aid counselor will serve as a financial aid advisor to the university and is instrumental in the recruitment of prospective students for all academic programs offered by Case Western Reserve University. This position interacts with parents, students, and university officials as a representative of the financial aid office, providing equal treatment, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Analyze and evaluate financial aid applications in order to determine financial need. This process involves reviewing approximately one-fourth of all student applications. In evaluating each aid application, the financial aid counselor will work under general supervision to: verify receipt and accuracy of all required documentation, i.e., federal income tax returns and/or tax transcripts, university financial aid application, FAFSA and CSS Profile. Determine applicant's cost of attendance for the individual program of study, which involves direct contact with key graduate and professional school personnel and knowledge of university tuition and fee schedules. Interpret federal, state, and university policies and regulations to ensure compliance and consistency in the equitable distribution of financial assistance. Responsible for needs assessment through the analysis and evaluation of individual financial circumstances and their ability to pay the student's cost of attendance at Case Western Reserve University. Exercise professional judgment on a daily basis when making decisions about family circumstances that do not fall within documented federal, state, or university policies. (37%)
2. Advise applicants and their families how best to utilize and leverage their funds to maximize resources, minimize educational debt, facilitate the student's attendance, and support students overall retention at the university. Explain, compare and contrast the terms and conditions of different financing programs available to the applicant and family. Serve as an advisor to the university community. Meet with and counsel students, parents, counselors and university personnel on a daily basis. (20%)
3. Assist with special projects, which may include coordinating gainful employment program disclosures, assisting in the student refund process and reconciliation of accounts. Administer training and manage student employees. Reconcile federal and private loans, external and internal loans, student employment, and/or state grant and scholarship programs. (20%)
4. Stay apprised and be knowledgeable about the various methods of refinancing student debt, including student and parent loans as well as other forms of credit, and counsel students about these methods. Act as an official representative to federal and state agencies, scholarship and foundation organizations, and financial aid professional organizations, i.e., OASFAA, NASFAA, and MASFAA. Initiate and maintain dialogue with other colleges and universities in order to remain current and obtain information about new developments within the financial aid industry in the area of responsibility (15%)
5. Instrumental in the recruitment of prospective students to Case Western Reserve University. Assist the office of Undergraduate Admission by providing financial aid presentations to prospective students and their families. These presentations focus on the cost of the university, application procedures, and scholarships and need-based programs available. Also, be a key speaker at the annual spring prospective student focus recruitment programs. The financial aid counselor must be available for college night presentations at local high schools. In addition to student recruitment, meet with and talk to prospective transfer and/or graduate students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and university alumni. (8%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned. (
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with departmental staff to collaborate on special projects and meet daily needs of the office.
University: Frequent contact with graduate and professional school personnel to collaborate on projects and in relation to the specific needs of students.
External: Regular contact with state and federal agencies, scholarship and foundation organizations, and financial aid professional organizations.
Students: Regular contact with current and prospective students in relation to financial aid.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 1 to 2 years of professional work experience, preferably in financial aid.
Education: Bachelor's degree required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Must demonstrate a customer service orientation and ability to collaborate with students, parents, staff, and outside organizations.
2. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Must be able to interpret and explain university policies to students and parents.
3. Fluency in a second language such as Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, and/or Telugu is strongly preferred.
4. Strong aptitude to work as part of a team required.
5. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Individual must be mature, professional, and discreet.
6. Ability to operate with a high level of awareness for protective sensitive and confidential information.
7. Ability to identify exceptions to normal policies and practices.
8. Ability to develop, enhance, and nurture relationships with prospective and current students and their families while providing consistent, accurate, and usable information.
9. Creativity and energy are highly valued.
10. Proficient with personal computer office applications, e-mail, and internet.
11. Ability to learn software applications specific to admissions and enrollment management, as well as customer service and customer relations management applications.
12. Familiarity with financial aid software packages preferred.
13. Superior knowledge of the university.
14. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
15. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment. This office emphasized the maintenance of security and confidentiality of all records. Work in a high-pressure environment. Students and their families demand immediate response and a high level of service. This position requires the individual to meet constant deadlines. Some overtime (including weekends) may be required.
Diversity Statement
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Reasonable Accommodations
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity at 216-368-8877 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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Case Western Reserve University strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics.
