The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling students and
educating parents regarding federal, institutional and state financial aid
opportunities and advising them on financial aid options and resources. The
position advises on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid
programs, costs, indebtedness, money and management and financial planning
while supporting the mission of the University by creating a superior student
experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Evaluates and analyzes information to determine and convey program
eligibility requirements, resolves student/parent inquiries for
assistance; ensures appropriate level of investigation to aid in thorough,
accurate, and timely responses.
Coordinates the awarding of all federal and state student aid funding, and
university and/or private scholarships.
Researches and compiles information from numerous institutional and
federal databases to determine eligibility. Retrieves and review financial
aid information via the US Department of Education's various systems.
Manages student engagement through various means of communication such as
email, telephone, chats, and virtual meetings.
Exercises professional judgment by making adjustments or revisions to
costs, contribution, need, or dependency status as exceptions to the
prescribed process.
Imports student records and maintains detailed records that support
actions and aid in annual audits and other reviews.
Answers questions and requests from students, parents, or guardians in
person or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
Exercises professional judgment by making adjustments or revisions to
costs, contribution, need, or dependency status.
Assists in the preparation of and presents information regarding federal
financial aid, scholarships, employment and grants for various campus
groups discussions, workshops, and recruitment sessions.
Conducts regular proactive outreach efforts to impact retention.
Contacts students and lenders, employers, donors, guarantee agencies
and/or staff to resolve issues.
Maintains clear and accurate documentation of transactions, conversations,
and interactions affecting student eligibility according to all statutory,
regulatory, and policy guidance, including office policies and procedures.
Completes multiple complex reports used to monitor and assure service and
processing benchmarks, as well as accuracy of eligibility and payments.
Analyze various system-generated reports and reconciles designated
accounts.
Runs daily and weekly reports and automated processes required to remain
compliant in regard to state, federal, and institutional funds. Resolves
conflicting data as identified by the US Department of Education.
Interacts with other University departments, state and federal agencies,
and industry partners. Serves as liaison for department to other parts of
the university; exchanges information and coordinates activities.
Maintains the security, privacy and confidentiality of student and family
data and information and records.
Participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties,
accepting additional assignments, cross-training, or reassignments and
assisting with seasonal peaks.
Collaborates with faculty, administration and staff to enhance the
counseling and advising of students.
Participates in student recruitment and retention activities including
attending orientation, information sessions, and other events to advise
prospective students and their families.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university required.
One (1) year of experience in student financial aid, student services,
counseling, finance, or other related experience.
Higher education experience and/or National Association of Student
Financial Aid and Administrator (NASFAA) credentials a plus.
Must clear and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
Must have valid driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and
personal injury insurance; or have a self-reliant source of transportation
to conduct business on a daily basis
Must have the ability to demonstrate intermediate skills in MS Office and
Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook and PowerPoint) including
experience with virtual platforms such as Zoom; Experience in Slate CRM
and Banner software is preferred.
Must be able to travel and work extended hours or weekends during peak
times and for special programs, projects, and events.
Must be able to be able to engage when needed evenings, weekends, and
holidays.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong public
relations and customer service skills with an ability to implement
diplomacy and discretion at all times; an ability to work effectively with
communities across the university; Highly responsive to the needs of
others.
Must have a high ethical standard and a strong sense of confidentiality;
ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines; thrive in a complex
work environment; displays solid problem solving and interpersonal skills;
works well independently and as part of a team.
Must have ability to demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to
detail and be able to organize workflow, coordinate activities, balance
simultaneous projects without loss of efficiency in a multi-tasked
environment, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines
Understanding of the St. Mary's culture and ability to represent and
communicate the university mission to prospective students and families is
preferred.
Demonstrates a commitment to a campus culture that promotes and values
inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; promotes a welcoming environment
for all internal and external constituencies.
Bilingual Preferred (English/Spanish with the ability to understand and
to make one's self understood to Spanish speaking individuals).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Working conditions are in an office environment and university campus
setting. Must be able to move across the university campus to conduct day
to day business.
While performing this role, the employee will be regularly required to
sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; and
use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and
occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision,
distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Frequently communicates with others using approved technological
resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through
designated systems within a timely manner.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this
job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal
Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to furthering diversity,
equity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates apply.
