Financial Aid Counselor / Loan Specialist

Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid is accepting applications for a Financial Aid Counselor / Loan Specialist. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

This individual reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid 2 and is responsible for certifying federal and private loans at Shenandoah University. This position works closely with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid 2, Hornet Central staff, financial aid counseling team, and student accounts staff as necessary to ensure students and families have completed paperwork in a timely manner.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities :

Certify student eligibility for federal and private loans. Process documents related to the evaluation of aid eligibility. Meets with students and / or families to discuss Financial Aid related issues when necessary.

Works with Assistant Director of Financial Aid 2 to process Federal Nursing loan requests as well as sending files to ECSI (nursing loan servicer) on a weekly and monthly basis.

Works with Assistant Director of Financial Aid 2 to review and process Faculty / Staff Grant requests.

Actively participate in maintaining current knowledge, training events, and compliance requirements for tuition assistance, including Title IV federal aid, veteran’s benefits, and state aid programs.

Works with the Director of Student Financial Services to review Tuition Exchange and Counsel of Independent Colleges (CIC) eligibility and awarding.

Review and process Professional Judgment- Cost of Attendance requests.

Works with Student Accounts staff to communicate the effect of changes in enrollment on Financial Aid award and tuition, as well as room and board changes.

Responsible for Direct Loan and Pell Monthly reconciliation process.

Responds to Office of Financial Aid emails and phone calls.

Maintain current knowledge and compliance requirements for all federal and private loans.

Work with private lenders to ensure Shenandoah University is using the most efficient manner of certifying and disbursing student loans.

Works closely with the Associate Director of Student Financial Services to return private loan funds back to the private loan lender when a student is no longer enrolled or no longer eligible to receive all or a portion of the requested loan (or when a student requests a reduction in their private loan amount that was received).

Holds in-person exit interview sessions with students. Comply with federal regulations by mailing out exit interviews in a timely manner.

Monitors financial aid listservs (including IFAP and NASFAA) and collaborates with the team on regulation updates.

Knowledgeable in VA federal funds and tuition assistance programs.

Maintains current knowledge of computer software used by Student Financial Services, including Ellucian and / or other reporting tools, such as Excel, Microsoft Word, Access, and Google Docs.

Create supporting policy and procedure documents as necessary.

Regular and predictable onsite attendance is an essential function of this position.

Other duties as needed.

Required Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Possess the ability to communicate effectively with people in a welcoming way. Must demonstrate excellent organizational, written, and oral skills. Ability to problem-solve. Works well with diverse populations of people. Ability to work independently yet harmoniously in a team environment. Ability to handle a stressful work environment during the busy times of the year, typically the summer months. Must be cooperative, patient, and demonstrate diplomacy.

Required Experience

Position Requirements :

Experience in Financial Aid preferred.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.

Required experience in customer service.

Demonstrate knowledge of ability to work with computer programs such as Google products, etc.

How to Apply :

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

• Note : A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.