Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma's commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here. ()

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships has an outstanding opportunity for a Financial Aid Counselor to join their team.

The Financial Aid Counselor provides assistance to financial aid applicants and their families regarding financial aid, and advises them in all phases of the aid application, eligibility, and disbursement process.

This position will review and verify data for student financial aid applications, award and utilize professional judgment in revising financial aid to students, and assist students in receiving aid. The Financial Aid Counselor will also participate in outreach activities to increase community awareness of financial assistance for education.

Through direct outreach and strong customer service the Financial Aid Counselor will improve the number and quality of aid applications, directly enhancing the student experience leading to increased enrollment and retention.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advising (40%)

Advise and assist students and others over the phone, by e-mail, and in-person regarding financial aid and scholarship questions and issues.

As new students get admitted to the university, prepare initial awards based on eligibility.

Review special circumstances presented by the student in-person or by means of written requests.

Make appropriate revisions to student eligibility, cost of attendance or financial aid to accommodate the circumstances that are within the law, institutional policy, and funding guidelines.

Awarding and Revising Awards (40%)

Verify or correct Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) application information

Track through automated correction process or enter data directly through the FAFSA Partner Portal or UW webSFA system

Document professional judgments and corrections, justifying actions that will withstand review by audit.

Award and revise financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines.

Reporting (10%)

Review a variety of reports such as : outside aid, change in program or major, change in class standing, graduation date, etc., comparing new data to previously recorded data analyzing data for reasonableness and consistency with other information

Contacting outside parties or students when necessary for clarification, making determinations as to how this affects student eligibility, adjusting the aid package and notifying students of changes.

Outreach (5%)

Perform community outreach at workshops in a variety of settings, including on and off campus, day, evening, and weekend venues.

Coordinate presentations with sponsoring group and other presenters, determining in advance the appropriate equipment needed, and handouts and materials to be provided.

Regulatory (3%)

• Review federal and state written updates and attend training and information meetings to maintain current knowledge of regulatory and institutional changes and policies relative to financial aid.

Other duties as assigned (2%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, business or relevant field.

Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid.

Equivalent education / experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license / certification / registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of federal, state and institutional aid programs.

Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with the public, students, faculty, and community members including those from various cultural and socio-economic groups.

Presentation and advising skills that demonstrate commitment to best methods including use of technology.

Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree in a relevant field.

Additional years or experience in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid that may include different school settings, (i.e., two-year school vs. four-year school, public vs. private, etc.).

Familiarity with the UW Student Database and proficiency in the use of the Financial Aid modules.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum : $54,312.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum : $60,000.00 annual

Other Compensation : Benefits :

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift :

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) :

100.00%

Union / Bargaining Unit :

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 () .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law () .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.