Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Montana

• Ensure compliance to all university, state and federal requirements.
• Advise and assist AI/AN/CFN students (and their families/parents/guardians) with the process of applying for financial aid.
• Work collaboratively with various on-campus departments, as well as off-campus partners programs (including Tribal Higher education departments), to support AI/AN/CFN student access.
• Review and revise student aid packages by using professional judgment aimed at effectively resolving discrepant information, making adjustments in response to special circumstances and appeals, verifying applicant data, determining grade level, analyzing need, etc. Process all decisions efficiently and ensuring compliance.
• Use various software and database systems to identify gaps in funding/services and conduct the appropriate interventions to support students’ needs.
• Serve as a Financial Aid Office representative on various councils, committees, boards, etc.
• Support and engage in American Indian Student Services (AISS) and other UM AI/AN/CFN serving programs’ activities and events.
• Administer UM Foundation scholarship funds that are in support of Native American students at UM.
• Establish and maintain frequent and effective communication contacts with tribal higher education offices and other AI/NA/CFN focused scholarship programs.
• Participate in and travel to various outreach and orientation events on-campus, in tribal community and urban high schools with significant AI/AN/CFN student demographic.

Required Skills

• Strong cultural competency and acquired education about cross-cultural communication skills.
• Effective knowledge of available resources to assist students who face complex financial needs including childcare resources, emergent food and housing resources, community health resources, mental health referral resources.
• Must be able to understand and effectively communicate complex policies to clientele and staff.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations and policies.
• Strong mathematic, accounting, analytical and organizational skills.
• Great attention to detail.
• Must be able to collaborate and coordinate with other team members.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when working with proprietary information, including students’ personal information.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changes in program/student support functions and job demands.
• Comfortable using multiple software/database applications simultaneously.
• Ability to be granted access to federal aid databases.
• Must be able to work some weekend and evening events and travel occasionally for off-campus events or programs.
• Fundamental knowledge of and a commitment to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) initiatives.

Minimum Required Experience

• High school diploma or HiSET/GED and at least two (2) years of working within student and/or diversity outreach and support sectors experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Five (5) years of experience in working directly with diverse communities.
• Experience with financial aid administration.

About the Financial Aid Department and UM

Position Details

How to Apply

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