Financial Aid Counselor

Office of Financial Aid

Full-Time, Regular, Exempt, Pay Grade 1.2

Location: Stateside Remote

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in the Office of Financial Aid. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Financial Aid Counseling, the Financial Aid Counselor will evaluate financial aid applicants and determine eligibility in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations. Requires the ability to perform multiple tasks utilizing proven problem-solving skills and knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures, with the highest level of customer service.The counselor will provide financial aid counseling to prospective, new and returning students regarding financial aid availability, application process, eligibility, academic progress, degree requirements, deadlines, processing dates, and procedures. The successful candidates are expected to work well within a collaborative team environment as well as under their own initiative with limited supervision and high accountability.

Must be able to meet and maintain access requirements for secure federal and/or state websites, such as the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Individuals cannot currently be in default on a student loan.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

• Responsible for complete and accurate FAFSA reviews to resolve various types of verification's required by the Department of Education. Review federal income tax returns, resolve student information discrepancies, and review financial aid documents for accuracy, completeness and compliance with federal, state and institutional laws, regulations and policies.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations, state laws and institutional policies pertaining to financial aid.
• Evaluate unusual/mitigating circumstance documentation or information provided by the student; exercise judgment by making adjustment or revisions to costs, need or dependency status based on established policies or guidelines. Serve as a rotating member of the Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional judgment Committees.
• Analyze various system-generated reports to verify compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal and institutional guidelines; notify students of changes in eligibility of awards and support students towards best possible outcomes. Create reports, merge and evaluate complex data from multiple sources, change award amounts, maintain statistical data and generate communications to students.
• Maintain and review student award packages for compliance and prevention of overawards. Revises student financial aid packages as needed when additional aid awards are posted.
• Participate in training and professional development activities and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution of higher learning and a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in higher education, accounting, business or customer service.
• Ability to work with detailed, factual information from a variety of sources.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with computerized office systems including, but no limited to, Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple administrative tasks with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service in a timely and proficient manner.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Prior financial aid experience preferred and functional experience with PeopleSoft and/or SalesForce desired.

DUTY STATEMENTS:

• Employees are required to work university commencement
• Employees may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday hours based on business need
• Employees are required to work all or part of the university holiday break and other observed Federal and university holidays.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.

• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.

• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).

• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Rate: