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Financial Aid Counselor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Financial Aid Counselor.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Financial Aid

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

N05

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Job Summary

Award and counsel students and parents with financial aid specifically to offset cost of higher education. Verifies and completes files based on federal, state and University guidelines to award financial aid in a timely manner.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Awards student financial aid by applying knowledge of need analysis, federal regulations and guidelines, and internal packaging policies.Evaluates federal eligibility by verifying federal applications and resolves any conflicting information by comparing income and asset information on federal applications, tax returns and other documentation received from applicants.

+ Counsel students, parents, and others about financial aid. Request needed data from students or other agencies and institutions to complete files. Answers questions from co-workers, faculty, and staff concerning federal regulations on verification and awarding. Interacts with students and/or parents to clarify information for applicant’s files and responds to questions concerning documentation.

+ Responds to written or oral inquires of financial aid application or processing.

+ Answer telephones, emails, and helps customers at the front counter as needed.

+ Assists in the development of office policies and procedures and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in business or related degree from an accredited college or university and two years of financial aid related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Knowledge of office procedures and of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and arithmetic.

+ Skill in the operation of office equipment including, but not limited to, multiline telephone, keyboard, calculator, multi-function printer/copy/scan/fax machine and computer.

+ Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

+ Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.

+ Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.

+ Ability to communicate and interact effectively with members of the public.

+ Ability to diffuse and respond effectively to situations involving intense pressures and/or unpredictable persons.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.