Job Description

Financial Aid Counselor

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid- Enrollment Management

We are the University of St. Thomas, the Catholic University in the heart of Houston. We are committed to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the dialogue between faith and reason. By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline, and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community.

The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, and succeed professionally and lead ethically.

This position serves as a financial aid counselor in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Counselors meet with students and their families regarding financial aid eligibility and scholarships, and their rights and responsibilities associated with those programs. They also assist students who have issues with their FAFSA application, and those inquiring/applying for special circumstances consideration, and process those appeals. Financial Aid Counselors also conduct presentations on and off campus, including high school nights.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: (other duties may be assigned)

• Counsel students applying for scholarships and financial aid, including clearing C Codes and FAFSA applications such as citizenship, loan default, aggregate loan limits, and unusual enrollment history flags.
• Codes from FAFSA applications such as citizenship, loan default, aggregate loan limits, and unusual enrollment history flags.
• Assist students selected for verification, and complete that process including correcting information on FAFSA, when required.
• Assist students with special circumstances who are completing appeals for professional judgment.
• Provide support to the other financial aid professionals and promote a cross-trained, student-centered atmosphere.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior financial aid work experience
• Working knowledge of the financial aid application process and various federal and state financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of awarding procedures, creating budgets, and understanding annual and aggregate loan eligibility.
• Familiarity with current issues affecting the financial aid and scholarship profession.
• Demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability and public relations skills

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Prior Experience in a financial aid office

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. May be required to work weekend/evening hours (during peak periods).
2. Significant amounts of personal, phone, and electronic interaction with
3. When workload demands, individuals will be expected to work the necessary hours to get the job done.
4. Physical capabilities for a normal office environment
5. Limited
6. Non-smoking environment

The University of St. Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the university are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.