Financial Aid Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and financial assistance to prospective and accepted students in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, healthcare administration, medical education, biomedical sciences, post-baccalaureate studies and all other programs offered at LECOM.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following are a list of Academic Exercises that may be required from time to time:

• Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM;
• Acts as administrative representative with faculty, staff and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times;
• Maintains confidentiality, professional appearance and pleasant demeanor;
• Authorize student payments and/or refunds concerning aid;
• Provide Financial Aid presentations to interview applicants for all programs offered at LECOM;
• Veteran's Administration School Certifying Official (SCO)  to process GI Bill Benefits for students with approved veteran's benefits;
• Provide counseling to students on the Financial Aid process for all programs offered by LECOM;  
• Advise and counsel students regarding sources of Financial Aid, application procedures, debt management, and satisfactory academic progress;
• Award federal Financial Aid in compliance with regulations;
• Review federal Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) for accuracy and compliance; daily. 
• Determine financial need and verify aid eligibility for students;
• Administration of Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) and National Health Service Corps (NHSC) benefits for LECOM students accepted in the programs.
• Maintain paper and database student financial records in accordance with federal regulations and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
• Assist with the development of cost of attendance (COA) budget materials for each academic year;
• Complete NASFAA training modules to remain current on changes to federal regulations and procedures, as needed;  
• Conduct presentations regularly throughout the year on Financial Aid procedures and eligibility requirements;
• Participate in campus functions; for example: commencement, white coat ceremonies, orientation, and open houses.
• Participate in professional development programs;
• Communicate regularly with the student population regarding updates, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities;
• Data entry, clerical, and phone responsibilities necessary to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;
• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Learn about all programs and be able to answer student inquiries;
• Respond to various communication inquiries regarding the admissions process;
• Conduct on-campus tours on an as needed basis;
• Participate in the Applicant Interview process for all programs, including greeting applicants, assisting with presentations, leading tours, etc.;
• Update various applicant files and notify students of application status;
• Assist in processing applications for the Institutional Programs;
• Analyze data for all programs and create Excel graphs as requested;
• Assist with the planning and implementation of on-campus events related to admissions, including  On-Campus Day, LECOM events, orientation, and the like;
• Support Admissions Representatives in all Programs;
• Serve as back up support to College Receptionist, on an as-needed basis;
• Provide Student Affairs support service for enrolled students;
• Further contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall  outreach; and
• Other duties as required / needed to maintain an efficient and effective Department.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

 Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Strong computer literacy with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel...etc.) and accurate data entry skills; 
• Enthusiastic, good sense of humor, and a professional positive attitude;
• Excellent understanding of the admissions process and a demonstrated ability to market and promote professional programs in healthcare administration, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry;
• Willingness to maintain an established work schedule;
• Adherence to all local, state, federal laws and LECOM policies and procedures;
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet deadlines;
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies / procedures and/or guidelines affecting areas of responsibility;
• Ability to be self-reliant and follow instructions;
• Sound decision-making capabilities and the ability to work independently and as directed by the Institutional Director or his/her designee;
• Willingness to assume responsibility; initiate appropriate action; and maintain confidentiality;
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain confidentiality of patient (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA);
• Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols (OSHA);
• Ability to be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;
• Effective use of interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy;
• Effective use of organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;
• Time management skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;
• Willingness to be flexible and accept other duties needed/assigned; The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect in compliance with EEO rules and regulations;
• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to: a Bachelors' Degree and a minimum of one (1) year of experience at a postsecondary educational institution working in Financial Aid or equivalent related experience required.