Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

The division of Enrollment Services- Financial Aid has an outstanding opportunity for Counselor to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Counselor is responsible to administer and evaluate student financial aid eligibility in accordance with complex federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. The position interprets and applies changing regulations, policies, and procedures; uses financial aid systems and technology to process and award assistance; and provides counseling and guidance to students regarding their financial aid. The role requires professional judgment, discretion, and analytical skills to assess unique student and family circumstances and make appropriate adjustments to financial aid eligibility, cost of attendance, and satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Advising- 40%:

• Advise and assist students and others over the phone, by e-mail, and in-person regarding financial aid and scholarship questions and issues. As new students get admitted to the university, prepare initial awards based on eligibility. Review special circumstances presented by the student in-person or by means of written requests. Make appropriate revisions to student eligibility, cost of attendance or financial aid to accommodate the circumstances that are within the law, institutional policy, and funding guidelines.

Awarding and Revising Awards- 35%:

• Verify or correct FAFSA application information; track through automated correction process or enter data directly through CPS On-line; Document professional judgments and corrections, justifying actions that will withstand review by audit. Award and revise financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines. Work closely with the UW Bothell Undergraduate Admissions Office to award merit scholarships to newly admitted students.

Reporting- 10%:

• Review a variety of reports such as outside aid, ISIR load, change in program or major, change in class standing, graduation date, etc., comparing new data to previously recorded data, analyzing data for reasonableness and consistency with other information, contacting outside parties or students when necessary for clarification, making determinations as to how this affects student eligibility, adjusting the aid package and notifying students of changes.

Managing UWB General Scholarship- 5%:

• Coordinate UW Bothell’s General Scholarship process twice per academic year which includes: posting it online, compiling applications, scheduling meetings of committee members, and making award decisions.

Outreach- 5%:

• Perform community outreach at workshops in a variety of settings, including on and off campus, day, evening, and weekend venues. Coordinate presentations with sponsoring group and other presenters, determining in advance the appropriate equipment needed, and handouts and materials to be provided.

Regulatory- 3%:

• Review federal and state written updates and attend training and information meetings to maintain current knowledge of regulatory and institutional changes and policies relative to financial aid.

Other duties as assigned- 2%:

• Special projects or tasks within Enrollment Services, serve on divisional or campus committees.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Business or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid or related field.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds-clients, coworkers, and other parties
• Proficiency with computers and common office PC-based software products
• Knowledge of federal, state and institutional aid programs.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with the public, students, faculty, and community members including those from various cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Presentation and advising skills that demonstrate commitment to best methods including use of technology.
• Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.

Working Conditions:

• The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office is located in the lower level of Summit Hall.
• The standard work schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
• Alternative/hybrid work schedules may be approved providing service and commitment to students is not impacted.
• Many of the activities in the Financial Aid Office are cyclical with heavy processing during late spring and summer months.
• Occasional hours beyond agreed upon schedule may be required depending on work load priorities, deadlines and outreach events.
• Enrollment Services staff are required to participate in graduation and other campus events as needed.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$60,432.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$67,656.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.