Summary of Position: The Financial Aid Counselor serves Indiana Wesleyan University’s Marion Campus student population by helping them navigate through federal, state, and institutional student aid application processes. Determines eligibility and awards federal, state, and institutional student financial aid. Communicates financial aid information and concepts to students and colleagues while respecting student privacy and security.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with students to establish student financial aid eligibility and maintains a thorough understanding of need analysis and student financial aid eligibility
• Develops and finalizes student financial aid award packages in a timely and accurate manner consistent with Indiana Wesleyan University awarding policies and procedures and in conjunction with federal and state regulations
• Counsels students in-person, by phone, or by email on rights and responsibilities regarding receipt of student financial aid and promotes financial literacy with professionalism and a customer service orientation; answer questions regarding maximizing aid eligibility and explains and advises regarding available and beneficial options and required actions
• Completes review for verification and other general aid eligibility processes
• Analyzes complex situations and resolves problems, understands and anticipates customer service needs with regard to student funding options
• Maintains practical current knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements regarding student financial aid, other aid agencies, and the university and applies this knowledge accurately to student financial aid packages
• Works well both independently and within a team; possesses and models good communication and relational skills; works cooperatively with others
• Serves as back-up for other financial aid counselors and other support staff as needed; other duties as assigned

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent financial aid work experience

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Proficiency-level experience with office management software, enterprise software, and various web-based communication and informational systems
• Experience with communicating technical information effectively through a variety of means (e.g., face-to-face, email, phone calls)
• Previous experience with student financial aid administration desired

Required Skills

• Ability to acquire extensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional student financial aid administration
• Comfortable working in a computerized environment and office setting
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to understand and apply complex student aid requirements and concepts
• Capacity to work independently and within a team environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to keep sensitive information secure and private
• Sound problem solving and analytical skills

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.