Summary

Within a centralized financial aid services environment, evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and operating guidelines. Assesses financial needs of students, and advises students and parents regarding financial aid options, processes, and requirements. Evaluates student academic progress, and adjudicates academic progress appeals. Participates as appropriate in systems/procedures planning and management; implements and coordinates specific individual programs and/or assignments, in accordance with the overall objectives of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Analyzes and evaluates financial viability of students and families, and provides advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
2. Reviews and assesses eligibility of applications for financial aid; exercises professional judgment to determine whether adjustments should be made.
3. Reviews for accuracy and provides signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
4. Conducts orientations, and entrance and exit interviews, in accordance with university, state, federal, and other agency guidelines.
5. Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the unit; serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues.
6. Provide information, in person, on the telephone, and through electronic Chat, to students, prospective students, and families regarding student financial aid, admissions, UNM account balance, and registration status.
7. Serves as liaison with state, federal, tribal, and other agencies; keeps abreast of student assistance opportunities and program regulations.
8. Oversees the collection, management, and reporting of data in accordance with the objectives of the position; participates in the development and implementation of data management systems and procedures, as appropriate.
9. Implements, coordinates, and oversees one or more specific administrative programs and/or service areas, as assigned.
10. Trains and serves as an operational resource to other staff and/or students, as appropriate; may supervise student employees or lower-level staff.
11. Conducts workshops and/or presentations to students, parents, and/or other interested parties on financial aid policy and procedural issues.
12. Participates in committee readings for scholarship selection and academic progress appeals.
13. Provides academic advisement and crisis intervention referrals; arranges for tutorial support, as necessary.
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Interviewing skills.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning the provision of financial aid to students.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of data management systems and processes.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Knowledge of the policies and eligibility requirements of a range of federal, state, and agency scholarship programs for tertiary students.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and over the telephone.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Evaluating, approving and awarding financial aid to students in accordance with all laws and regulations; b) conducting workshops and presentations to interested parties on financial aid policy and procedures; c) coordinating and providing an operational resource to lower level advisors; and d) managing the collection and reporting of financial aid data.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/02/2021