Financial Aid Counselor/Direct Loan Coordinator

ABOUT VOORHEES UNIVERSITY 

Voorhees University is a private, diverse, historically black, coeducational, liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located in rural Denmark, South Carolina, the University serves traditional and nontraditional students primarily from South Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States. The University offers each student a comprehensive general education experience coupled with professional education in the values-centered liberal arts environment that supports educational opportunities designed to help prepare students to function in a diverse and increasingly technological society. Accordingly, the University seeks to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of lifelong learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God. 

PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE AND SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT 

In accordance with the University’s mission, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, 10th President of Voorhees University has issued the charge and call to action articulated through the University’s mantra: Begin. Believe. Become. that will advance Voorhees University to The Next Level of Excellence. President Hopkins believes and expects that Voorhees University will be nationally recognized as a premier, comprehensive liberal arts institution focused on student success, excellence and integrity. Through this charge, greater emphasis will be placed on high performing learners, highly accomplished faculty and staff, an involved community, and a supportive and dedicated alumni base.

Position: Financial Aid Counselor/Direct Loan Coordinator

Department/Division: Financial Aid/Enrollment Management

Salary Range: $34,000 – $36,000

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Position Type/Duration: Full-time/12 months

Position Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (some extended hours and travel may be required)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Advises student, parents and staff on the eligibility of loans, loan types, how to apply for loans, aggregate loan limits and other issues regarding loans processes and procedures.
• Download Entrance/Exit Loan Counseling reports and import the counseling into Powerfaids or a designated delivery system in coordination with the Default Manager.
• Assists the Default Manager and other Financial Aid Counselors with all Entrance and Exit Interviews.
• Import and upload the Loan Master Promissory Notes (MPN) from COD (Common Origination and Disbursement) as well as the Direct Loan website and reflect changes in Powerfaids.
• Originate and disburse federal and private loans. Verify enrollment of students, aggregate loan totals, and eligibility of loans for students and parents. Originate loan promissory notes and prepare for transmission to the department of education and or guarantor.
• Contacts the Department of Education and lenders regarding loan disbursement issues such as canceled loans, pending disbursements, missing information, duplicate loans and delinquent private loans.
• Reconciles the Direct Student Loan program continuously.
• Processes Direct PLUS loans. Gather information and consent from parent applications and assess eligibility via COD lending online.
• Advises students and parents how to complete the Loan Master Promissory Note and entrance and exit interviews in coordination with the Default Manager.
• Complies with federal and state financial aid legal requirements by studying and researching existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
• Processes financial aid applications and determines eligibility and award accordingly.
• Maintains financial aid folders on all traditional students receiving state, federal, institutional and private financial assistance to ensure no audit exceptions occur.
• Requests U.S. Dept. Of Education Verification documents and complete the Verification Process according to federal guidelines.
• Responsible for data entry for assigned students to include application processing, ISIR corrections, award notifications and revisions, if required.
• Coordinates and supervises the award notification process in absence of other financial aid counselors.
• Ensures that all financial aid awarded is credited to student accounts in a timely manner.
• Counsel students and parents in financial aid concerning the types of assistance available and the application procedure.
• Calculates student eligibility for financial aid according to state and federal regulations and award accordingly.
• Do comprehensive follow-ups to ensure that students apply for financial aid in a timely manner.
• Ensures that all files are complete before releasing aid to students’ accounts.
• Coordinates the aid transfer for disbursing to Business Office for crediting to student accounts; initiate Disbursement procedure and prepare Disbursement and Adjustment Reports for review by the Director of Financial Aid and Comptroller.
• Attend professional development workshops and research all things related to and affecting the awarding of financial aid.
• Work closely with all offices on campus to ensure integrity and ethical processes are adhered to at all times for proper delivery of financial aid.
• All other duties as required for the successful operation and administration of the Office of Financial Aid and the state, federal, institutional, and private financial aid programs that it administers.

EDUCATION 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Standard Office Environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent customer service, interpersonal oral and written communication skills. Ability to work in a detail oriented environment.
• Must have excellent attention to details and be a quick learner, self-starter and motivation.
• Candidate must be committed toa team-oriented work environment.

APPLICATION INFORMATION 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue through September 30, 2023. 

Please submit an employment application, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, resume, and relevant transcript to apply.