Financial Aid Officer
JOB SUMMARY
The University of Connecticut’s Office of Student Financial Aid Services is seeking an organized and self-motivated Financial Aid Officer in the Federal and Special Programs unit. This position processes private alternative and Federal Direct loans daily and helps to resolve complex problems in the area of specialization. Additional duties include coordination of several key administrative areas such as the institutional aid administration for undocumented students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with the interpretation of and compliance with financial aid regulations governing respective programs, formulation of policy and procedures, and helps resolve complex problems in the area of specialization.
- Primarily responsible for institutional aid administration for undocumented students, evaluation of Title IV eligible students with previously defaulted or discharged Federal student loans, and coordination of Federal student loan aggregate usage calculations.
- Secondarily responsible for Nurse Faculty student loan awarding, reconciliation of Federal Direct loan and Federal Pell Grant, and facilitating private alternative loan returns and deposits.
- Processes private alternative and Federal Direct loans daily. Independently researches and answers questions of varying complexity raised by staff for Federal Direct loans and private alternative loans.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional rules, regulations, statutes, and mandates governing financial aid; and share updates with the department that may affect areas of primary and secondary responsibility.
- Communicate with students, families, and other external constituents by email or phone. Assist with walk-in/call-in financial aid counseling, as needed.
- Participate in various outreach activities by serving as a financial aid representative at University open house(s) and other outreach activities.
- Cross train to support administrative areas in other units, including reviewing files and documentation, packaging and awarding, processing queries, and assisting with calling campaigns and other special projects.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
- Three years of progressively responsible financial aid experience.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent counseling and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, the public, the university community, and external constituencies; and ability to work independently and under time constraints.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Four to five years of progressively responsible financial aid experience.
- Experience processing alternative loan certifications and Federal Direct loans.
- Experience using an automated financial aid system (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, etc.).
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, twelve-month position. The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/. The salary range for this position is $54,734 - $71,154. Final compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and credentials of the chosen candidate.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/en-us/job/496870/financial-aid-officer
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496870 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 26, 2022.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.