Position Function:
The Senior Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing general financial aid counseling to students/parents seeking assistance. The Senior Counselor is also responsible for the review of all applicant files to determine eligibility for Title IV and other financial assistance. The Senior Counselor will be responsible for the management of specific programs and/or processes as required by the Associate Director for Counseling Services. The Senior Counselor will help resolve student/parent financial aid issues that could not be resolved at the Counselor level.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
1. Responsible for managing specific aid programs and/or processes as assigned by the Associate Director for Counseling Services.
2. Responsible for assisting in the resolution of problems or issues with student/parent applicants that could not be resolved at the Counselor level.
3. Counsels students/parents Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
1. Responsible for managing specific aid programs and/or processes as assigned by the Associate Director for Counseling Services.
2. Responsible for assisting in the resolution of problems or issues with student/parent applicants that could not be resolved at the Counselor level.
3. Counsels students/parents concerning the availability of state, federal, and institutional student financial assistance funds.
4. Responsible for keeping abreast of all state, federal, and institutional rules and regulations applicable to the administration of student financial aid funds.
5. Reviews and awards all completed applicant files in a timely, accurate and consistent manger to determine eligibility for assistance.
6. Provides input into the development and revision of all letters, memoranda, and other documents used to communicate with student/parents relative to the file review process.
7. Assists in the development and revision of procedures for the documentation and review of data contained in student files.
8. Serves as a member of the departmental Professional Judgment Committee to review cases with mitigating financial circumstances.
9. Performs needs analysis revisions for student and parents through the use of Banner.
10. Responsible for providing technical assistance to student aid applicants in the completion of all aid applications.
11. Provides student financial aid presentations for student groups and/or functions sponsored by high schools and community colleges, and other groups.
12. Acts as a lead in the counseling area: training new staff, working on appeals and special circumstance requests, resolving conflicts in student/parent data reported, and assisting the associate director with reports and issues that need to be resolved.
13. Performs related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of business experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Strong, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
2. Strong analytical and organizational skills.
3. Ability to learn, interpret and apply complex federal financial aid regulations.
4. Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
5. Ability to utilize computer skills in an automated work environment.
6. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
2. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
3. No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
