The selected individual will assist undergraduate and graduate students and their families with all aspects of financial aid while reporting to the Coordinator of Counseling and Outreach within the Department of Student Financial Assistance.  The position will also assist in the processing of Veteran Aid program benefits in accordance with governing federal/state regulations, assisting the Coordinator of VA Programs in the Department of Student Financial Assistance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Counsels and advises students and their families about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, and VA educational benefits
• Individualizes information to the particular needs and situations of the student
• Uses clear and understandable communication with students, parents, and potential students regarding financial aid counseling
• Assists students with estimating their educational expenses to calculate their needs for the year, and preparing a multi-year financial plan
• Notifies students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend the situation
• Uses enhanced internal and external communication systems to inform students and parents about financial aid awards and department's policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications; exercise judgment when interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations
• Maintains professional connections with campus colleagues and within professional organizations
• Participates with presentations of financial aid related issues during recruitment and retention events; including but not limited to Admissions events, high school events, campus events, within the state and surrounding areas.
• Certifying eligibility for select veteran programs as assigned by Coordinator for Veterans Programs
• Reporting of failed grades and suspensions to VA, through processing of end of term reports
• Reviewing military and transfer articulations
• Processing miscellaneous audits associated with federal VA programs, administering/processing state tuition waivers and tuition assistance at the state and federal level
• Invoicing VA, processing payments, and assisting with reconciliation of associated invoicing as needed
• Providing other assistance to the Coordinator of Counseling and Outreach as well as Coordinator of VA Programs as needed

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Seeking improvements in services and process flow for students and families
• Assisting management with various audits and/or activities as needed
• Assists team members when necessary to enable the success of the department.
• Remains knowledgeable of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA, Privacy Act of 1974, and the HEA of 1965 and subsequent amendments
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Aptitude for details and accuracy
• Self-motivated with ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and team environment
• Strong organization, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Customer-service oriented

• Bachelor's degree
• Knowledge of regulations pertaining to federal, state and/or institutional aid programs
• Prior customer service-related experience
• Experience in data entry and data processing

Salary Range:  $15.31-16.46/hr

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

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Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

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