"Financial Aid Counselor"

Financial Aid Counselor

Company:
La Salle University

Job Location:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Category:
Financial Aid

Type:
Full-Time

Department: 521000 - Financial Aid

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor is a key customer service representative in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. This role is responsible for determining eligibility for and awarding federal, state, and institutional funds. The Counselor will manage specialized tasks and projects, utilizing various software applications. Acting as a liaison between students, parents, university personnel, and relevant federal and state agencies, the Counselor also supports all office duties. Additionally, this position contributes to the University's enrollment and student success initiatives.

Essential Duties

• Serves as a frontline customer service representative, providing assistance to students and families regarding financial aid.
• Analyzes and processes financial aid applications to determine eligibility and awards, in accordance with federal, state, donor, and institutional guidelines.
• Requests additional information as needed based on analysis and review.
• Performs verifications to resolve discrepancies in awards.
• Notifies students of any changes in their aid eligibility.
• Utilizes information systems to input data, maintain databases, conduct research, and generates reports utilizing student data.
• Selects and notifies recipients for specific programs in a timely manner.
• Addresses inquiries from students, parents, or guardians regarding financial aid programs and eligibility, both in person and in writing.
• Analyzes system-generated reports (e.g., grades, enrollment status, award status) to ensure continued compliance and eligibility for students receiving aid.
• Resolves financial aid issues and questions received via email, texts, and phone calls.
• Assists in the reconciliation of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to ensure compliance.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at events, including Graduate and Adult Open Houses and Undergraduate Admissions Open Houses.
• Conducts FAFSA workshops and financial aid presentations.
• Adheres to FERPA policies and keeping current on updates to state and federal regulations.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

# of Direct Reports: 0

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Previous financial aid or higher education experience.
• Working knowledge of financial aid systems such as Banner/Ellucian, NSLDS, PHEAA, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD).
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, awarding eligibility requirements and supporting regulations.
• Experience in critical thinking and problem solving. Must be analytical, detail oriented, highly motivated, independent thinker.
• Intermediate to advanced experience in basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with challenging situations in a diplomatic and calm manner, maintaining customer service orientation at all times.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, work in a collaborative environment, and under specific deadlines.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of La Salle University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
• Knowledge of ARGOS or Banner by Ellucian
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work with diverse students and families.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends during the year.
• Occasional travel to local high school financial aid events.

Special Instructions to Applicant

This is a pooled position from which Financial Aid Counselors will be selected when the need arises in the department. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted directly. These pools are closed down annually during the summer and you will receive notification that a refreshed application is needed for you to continue to be considered.

La Salle University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports a fully inclusive, equitable, and diverse working and learning environment. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees' dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Application Open Date: 10/30/2024

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