POSITION SUMMARY

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside invites applications for the position of Financial Aid Counselor.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid, this position will facilitate and support student-centered initiatives, provide leadership and guidance to students, and model inclusiveness and collaboration. The position will actively serve prospective students and their families through financial aid related services ranging from educating prospective students about the financial aid process to awarding various aid programs to educating students about the importance of good financial management. In addition, this position will oversee areas of Federal Financial Aid including the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans, and will manage the awarding and maintaining of aid eligibility by reviewing Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals and new awardee information. The position will also participate in University outreach programs that support the admission and retention of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum three years professional work experience in post-secondary education as a financial aid advisor/counselor or as a representative of an organization associated with the financial aid profession
• Demonstrated comprehensive functional knowledge of Financial Aid business processes
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse student and faculty/staff population

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, student personnel, or related field
• Minimum five years professional work experience in higher education
• Documented experience managing Federal Aid programs including Direct Loans and/or Federal Pell Grant
• Documented proficiency using PeopleSoft Student Administration software

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Aid Administration:

• Oversee the administration of Federal aid programs including the Federal Direct Loan program and Federal Pell grant.
  • Send and review files from Department of Education in a timely fashion
  • Review students nearing limits to specific Federal Programs including Pell grants and loans
  • Assist with the reconciliation of Pell and Direct loan programs
• Participate in all aspects of the financial aid awarding process from beginning to end including summer, winterim, annual and semester specific awarding.
• Provide timely and direct student services related to financial aid, financial literacy, and funding a college education
• Manage Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, process, and the review of student appeals
• Serve as secondary processor for Return to Title IV calculations for students who have withdrawn from the institution officially or unofficially

Financial Aid Outreach & Counseling:

• Provide financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students (and their families when applicable)
• Conduct presentations both on and off campus to help educate students and families about paying for college and financial literacy
• Actively participate in student service programs that support the admission and retention of students (new student orientation, student success initiatives, etc.)
• Counsel students regarding various appeal processes (academic progress, special circumstances, etc.)
• Work collaboratively with other offices in providing excellent services to students and their families

Professional Development and Participation:

• Active involvement with Enrollment Management Division admission/retention efforts.
• Represent the office on university committees and the institution in state and national professional organizations.
• Participate in professional development opportunities through webinars, workshops, conferences, etc. to maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulatory changes, and network with colleagues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of regulations for administering student financial aid programs, financial aid need analysis, and processes
• Considerable experience working with specific financial aid programs
• Working knowledge of FERPA rules and regulations and ability to ensure compliance
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Considerable experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), PeopleSoft, imaging and the ability to create queries
• Ability to work well with diverse people and groups with different levels of technical ability
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships with individuals at all organization levels on campus
• Ability to work independently and with a team of colleagues
• Working knowledge of time management techniques and practices
• Ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems or concerns
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple work assignments and projects
• Ability to perform work often under pressure to meet student service and operational demands while maintaining service standards

THE UNIVERSITY AND AREA

UW-Parkside is a regional comprehensive university that is committed to accessibility, academic excellence, student success, diversity, and community engagement. This beautiful campus is on 700 acres of woodland & prairie in the heart of the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor, between Racine and Kenosha and near Lake Michigan. The university enrolls approximately 5,000 students, many of whom are first- generation and nontraditional students. UW-Parkside benefits from the diversity of the communities it services in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. Kenosha and Racine are small cities that offer tranquility and convenience. The myriad attractions of Milwaukee and Chicago are easily accessible, as is the solitude of the country. UW-Parkside is strongly committed to creating and maintaining a multicultural, pluralistic campus environment.

The tri-county region that comprises the University’s primary service area is home to an impressive array of businesses. There are more than 10,000 small businesses in the region, as well as a large number of globally-recognized employers. The college, through its active, engaged Advisory Board, enjoys a close relationship with many of these businesses. For further information regarding the University and community, please see our website at www.uwp.edu

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

Applications received by 11:59 PM Tuesday, May 15^th, 2018, are ensured full consideration. Position is open until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: Please select the applicable link below:

External Applicants: https://www.careers.wisconsin.edu  (Candidates NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System) – follow link then continue to STEP 2

Internal Applicants: https://www.hrs.wisconsin.edu (Candidates currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System) – follow link then under “Main Menu” choose:

• “Self Service”
• “Recruiting”
• “Careers”

STEP 2: Under "Job Search" choose:

• "More Options"
• Job Opening ID: "14236"
• "Search"
• Select “Financial Aid Counselor"
• Click "Apply"
• You must login before you can apply. Input your "User Name" and "Password" and select "Login"

If you have not yet registered, click "Register Now" to begin the registration process

STEP 3: Submit application materials:

Please be sure to complete all required fields and include all required documents before submitting your application. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit or attach any application materials. Files must be complete to be considered. Please include the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position
• CV/Resume
• References

You must select "SUBMIT", selecting "Save" will not forward your application materials to the search committee.

If you have questions about how to apply go to https://kb.wisc.edu/hrs/page.php?id=21544

Please Note:
In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether she/he meets all of the required qualifications, or if all of the application materials are not submitted, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications and may be excluded from further consideration.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Commensurate with experience and education. The UW System provides a liberal benefits package, including participation in a state pension plan.

Benefit Details: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/summaries/fasl.pdf

Total Compensation Estimator: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/totalcomp/

LEGAL NOTICES

Employment will require a criminal background check in accordance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act.

Note: Criminal Background Check - The Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division prohibits employers from using criminal background check information, policies or practices that have a “disparate impact” and is not “job-related and consistent with business necessity” in hiring decisions. All information used to screen or hire job applicants should relate to the duties of the job.

UW-Parkside is an AA/EEO employer:  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of UW-Parkside to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 262-595-2204. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual's disability.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin Parkside Crime Statistics Report is available at https://www.uwp.edu/live/offices/universitypolice/crimestats.cfm. Call the UW-Parkside Campus Police Office at (262) 595-2455 for a paper copy of the annual report.