Financial Aid and Military Specialist - NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Position Title:    Financial Aid and Military Specialist

Report To:           Director of Financial Aid

Job Type:             Full-Time, Exempt

Location:             San Diego; on Campus

Salary:                  $66,560

Position Overview

The Financial Aid and Military Affiliated Benefits Counselor is a full-time position exempt position. This position will support all students including veteran/military-affiliated and is responsible for assisting in the administration of multi-faceted federal, state and institutional financial aid programs primarily through the determination of financial need and awards while simultaneously counseling parents and students on aid programs consisting of grants, loans, scholarships and work study opportunities. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will report directly to the Director of Financial Aid for Shared Services

Responsibilities

• Determine financial need for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate and graduate students and document information accordingly in financial aid systems.
• Create offers of financial aid based on current regulations/guidance.
• Communicate the College’s methodology (internal/external) and the type/level of awards available/offered in support of recruitment and retention efforts.
• Review all pertinent internal and external data and reports to ensure aid is being processed timely and accurately, including, but not limited to registration reports, ISIRs, and transfer credit evaluations.
• Re-determine financial need for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate and graduate students in light of new or changed information not on original applications or due to program changes. Revise offers of financial aid based on professional judgement utilizing institutional policy and guidance set forth from the U.S. Department of Education.
• Conduct informational presentations and workshops to prospective and current students highlighting and navigating the Financial Aid process.
• Perform regular file reviews to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations; adjust student aid packages and funds based on changes to students’ enrollment statuses.
• Exercise discretion and demonstrate strong professional judgment when making decisions in special or complex circumstances; seek assistance from the Director and, when appropriate, provide recommendations to best resolve these cases.
• Remain current on all institutional, state, and federal regulations; participate in regular training and professional development on best practices to ensure compliance.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at the College events, workshops, and presentations including Open Houses, Accepted Students’ Days, student registration events, and orientations.
• Participate as appropriate in systems/procedures planning and management
• Assist the Financial Aid department with other projects and assignments as needed.
• Reconcile military benefits funds from the Federal Government to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations
• Manage initial veteran prospective and current student inquiries and information requests
• Stay current with training requirements for VA SCO’s as set forth by the VA and State agencies
• Established electronic forms to facilitate student self- certification of educational benefits, state veteran waivers, information requests, and benefits checklists, leading to a paper-free office environment and concurrent reduction in back log of certification requests.
• Responsible for essential administrative functions including development and implementation of policies and procedures including the oversight and training of Veterans Work-Study Program workers.
• Process certifications for all military benefit programs, including but not limited to: Chapter 31, Chapter 30, National Guard and State Veterans tuition waivers, Chapter 33, and Military Tuition Assistance. Authorizes benefits and coordinates VA payments for Veterans, eligible dependents, survivors, and Reservists and National Guard members with all departments across the College in accordance with Federal, State and College regulatory guidelines.
• Act as a primary liaison between the College and all military benefit offices (such as the VA, National Guard, MADVA, and DOD).
• Conduct all benefits and services activities in accordance with and in compliance with all rules and regulations contained in the VA School Certifying Official Handbook as well as any other guidance issued from other regulatory bodies.
• Adhere to and is knowledgeable of appropriate guidelines relating to FERPA and College policy on the release of records and information to a third party.
• Responsible for adjusting financial aid packages to account for military benefits
• Other tasks and special projects as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2-4 years’ related experience
• Bilingual language is a plus.
• Knowledge of financial aid management systems and/or student information systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with students and their families.
• Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized with the ability to self-manage multiple projects while working under deadlines in a constantly changing, fast paced environment.