Specialist, College Admissions/Scholarship

McAllen Independent School District; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllen Independent School District is seeking a college and financial aid counselor to assist students and families with applications for college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. The role involves announcing scholarship opportunities and recruiting eligible students.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in counseling or related field, and a licensed school counselor or social worker credential. Strong public relations skills and flexibility for extended hours are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field required.
• Master’s degree in education or related field preferred.
• Licensed school counselor, school social worker, counselor, or social worker required.

Responsibilities

• Solicit and secure scholarship information.
• Advise students about funding sources and options.
• Conduct research into additional funding sources for students who do not qualify for aid.
• Organize financial aid workshops for students, parents, staff and counselors.

Skills

Public relations

Scholarship outreach

Flexibility

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or related field

Master’s Degree in Education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist all students and parents in completing and submitting applications for college admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Announce all scholarship availabilities and recruit qualified students. Engage in an aggressive search of scholarship possibilities via the Internet and community and businesses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree in Education or related field, preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or related field, required
• Licensed School counselor, School Social Worker, Counselor, or Social Worker, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Effective public relations/communication skills
• Open-minded to scholarship opportunities for all students regardless of academic achievement and economic background
• Flexibility to meet needs of parents/students as they relate to extended working hours
• Well-versed and competent in computer accessing skills

Experience:

• Experience in the area of financial aid, preferred
• Three (3) years experience in the area of working with secondary students, required

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Solicit and secure scholarship information.
• Advise students about alternative sources of funding available (scholarships, work study, grants, loans and investments).
• Conduct research into alternative sources of funding available for students who do not qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships.
• Organize and conduct financial aid workshops for students, parents, staff and counselors and impress the importance of timeliness as it relates to meeting available funding.
• Assist parents/students in completing and submitting financial aid forms to appropriate organizations.
• Disseminate financial aid information through the use of local newspapers, newsletters and other media sources.
• Coordinate the planning of the campus for college and financial aid nights.
• Conduct training seminars and workshops in financial aid to keep staff and community current with latest information and processes.
• Work with administrators, counselors and teachers in providing orientation for students relating to financial aid.
• Organize and conduct small group presentations with parents, students and community in order to de-mystify and simplify the financial aid process.
• Work with campus staff in writing effective letters of recommendations for students.
• Serve as liaison between the student and the universities, community colleges, technical and vocational schools and the military.
• Work with Chamber of Commerce, businesses and other organizations to secure local scholarship for students.
• Log and track students who have applied for financial aid.
• Compile and publish a list of all local, state and national scholarships for use by students, parents, counselors and teachers.
• Log and track students who have been awarded scholarships for the senior awards ceremony and future valuations.
• Follow-up information on the effectiveness of the financial aid program.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copier, adding machine, fax machine, multimedia equipment, software, access to Internet

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent district and occasional statewide travel; Repetitive hand motions; Prolonged use of computer; Prolonged hours

Days:

201

Daily Rate pay range:

Minimum: $317.01

Midpoint: $379.65

Maximum:$442.29

Note:

Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.