Financial Aid Counselor, Associate

Apply now Job no: 499742
Work type: Non-Classified/Professional
Location: Boise,
Categories: Internal Opportunities - Boise State University employees only

Job Summary/Basic Function: The main purpose of this position is to work within a collaborative team environment to administer various student financial aid programs within regulatory requirements and counsel students, parents, faculty, and staff to support access to the various student aid programs. This position may also act as a mentor, project leader or supervisor for 1-2 classified staff, as assigned.

This position is open to current, regular Boise State University employees only.

Department Overview: The Financial Aid Counselor at Boise State University will work within a collaborative, supportive, team environment to administer various financial aid programs within regulatory requirements and counsel students, parents and staff to support access to various student aid programs.

Level Scope: Entry-level professional with limited or no prior experience to contribute on a project or work team. Incumbent learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity under close supervision while achieving day-to-day objectives. Works on developmental assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. This level is typically focused on self-development.

Requires theoretical knowledge through specific education and training.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Position must perform:

• Advise and counsel students and families on the financial aid application process and special circumstances for individual applicants via walk-in, multi-line phone system, email and online interactions.
• As a member of the financial aid and scholarships team, collaborate to successfully administer federal and state student financial aid programs (student eligibility, need analysis, verification, awarding, ISIR corrections, disbursement, return to Title IV, etc.) within the guidelines of institutional, private, state, and federal regulations, guidelines and policies.
• Evaluate unusual/extenuating circumstance documentation or information provided by the student; exercise professional judgment by adjusting cost of attendance, income, dependency status, or satisfactory academic progress based on established policies or guidelines.
• Advise on student loan application, consolidation and loan repayment options.
• Develop and present informational financial aid programs and community outreach events to local high school students, families and various other groups.

35% of the Time the Position must perform:

Interaction with Technology

• Understand and use technology systems including but not limited to:
  Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), FAFSA Partner Portal online, EdConnect, Electronic Loan Management (ELM), PS Campus Solutions, Perceptive Content, etc.
• In collaboration with the Systems team, assist in testing of enterprise resource management systems setup, upgrades and modifications.
• Remain current in knowledge and understanding of regulations and technology changes, as needed.

Programmatic duties:

• Responsibility for specific programmatic duties, such as:
  Work Study administration, Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals, verification of eligible citizenship status, assigned work logs, etc.
• Identify and prioritize issues; perform research, offer solutions, options and strategies. Refer to appropriate person or department as needed, and/or arrange for required assistance.

5% of Time the Position must perform:

Supervision/Team management

• Provide training, direction, feedback, and evaluations to direct reports (if assigned) and/or lead a project team in collaboration with supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of institutional, state and federal financial aid regulations.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle a large volume of deadline‑driven tasks with a moderate level of supervision.
• Knowledge of multiple online database systems including COD, NSLDS, CPS, and a financial aid enterprise resource management…