Student Services Associate

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is committed to expanding access to higher education by providing comprehensive financial aid services to students and families. The office administers and oversees a wide range of federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans, while ensuring strict compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Through personalized counseling, efficient processing, and expert program management, OFAS supports students throughout the financial aid life cycle—from FAFSA application to award disbursement—advancing the university’s mission of student success and affordability.

Position Overview

The University of North Texas at Dallas invites applications for the position of Student Services Associate in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. This position will provide immediate and comprehensive services to customers relating to federal, state, and institutional regulatory requirements, awarding financial aid, calculating federal need analysis eligibility, performing detailed technical duties, conducting financial aid presentations and providing intensive educational loan program data. The incumbent is the first point of contact for the department and with other university personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of university policies including FERPA and procedures related to the area of assignment.
• Considerable knowledge (or ability to rapidly assimilate and retain) university operating procedures, organization and management policies.
• Working knowledge of sound business principles, practices, and techniques.
• Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in a college or university Financial Aid Office highly preferred.
• Experience delivering presentations and training to both small and large groups.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures related to assigned functional areas, or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, or the ability to rapidly learn and apply them.
• Demonstrated customer service experience in all settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to sit and work at a desk for extended periods.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in composing correspondence and preparing reports.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and compiling data for reporting purposes.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with PeopleSoft and ImageNow/Perceptive Content systems strongly preferred.

Job Duties

• Assess and adjust Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Evaluate verification data elements to determine impact on student aid eligibility.
• Determine academic program eligibility for financial aid participation.
• Manage loan processes, including Check Management, Entrance Counseling, and Exit Counseling, as well as scholarship processing. 
• Assist with planning, scheduling, coordinating, and participating in financial aid outreach events, including help sessions, campus events, and college nights.
• Respond to and resolve inquiries and concerns related to federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Analyze and monitor system-generated reports to ensure accuracy, compliance, and identify discrepancies; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare reports and maintain statistical data within the assigned functional area.
• Process and review applications for grants, loans, and scholarships to ensure completeness and compliance.
• Maintain and update student records in both electronic and paper systems in accordance with recordkeeping standards.
• Provide financial aid counseling and respond to incoming inquiries regarding application processes and requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and ensure adherence in daily operations.
• Explain financial aid formulas, calculations, and eligibility determinations to students and stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, occasional evenings and weekends as needed for programming.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.