Financial Aid Counselor

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.