"Financial Aid Counselor"

Overview

Assist in the administration of multi-faceted federal and institutional financial aid programs primarily through the determination of financial need and awards while simultaneously counseling parents and students culturally/respectfully on aid programs consisting of grants, loans, and work study opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Determine financial need for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. Create offers of financial aid based on current regulations/guidance and disburse to the student account. Communicate the College’s methodology (internal/external) and the type/level of awards available/offered in support of recruitment and retention efforts. (60%)
2. Coordinate financial aid programs as assigned. Prepare, evaluate, and communicate program information both internally and externally. Specific program responsibilities to be determined but could include athletics, studying abroad, direct loans, alternative loans, and liaison for Military Science, Bursar, Veteran, and Yellow Ribbon. (55%)
3. Act as primary liaison to the offices of the Bursar and Admissions, as well as the compliance officer in Athletics for scholarships based on athletic talent and early assessment of eligibility. Annually update programmatic instructions and ensure back-up is trained. (10%)
4. Re-determine financial need for a caseload of prospective/current undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students in light of new or changed information not on the original applications. Revise offers of financial aid based on professional judgement utilizing institutional policy and guidance set from the U.S. Department of Education. (10%)
5. Coordinate the order/distribution of the laptop program. Communicate availability to students and/or key campus stakeholders (i.e. Friar Foundations, Library) to connect students with needed technology. Adhoc (i.e. presentations) or other semi-permanent duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Financial Aid due to staffing and or other changes/demands. (5%)

Marginal Duties

1. Perform all other duties as may be required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field from an accredited institution required.
• One to three years of financial aid experience preferably in need analysis (Federal Methodology and/or Institutional Methodology), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Progressive and thorough understanding of federal/state regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong organization skills, initiative, and the ability to problem solve
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate succinctly and demonstrate cultural sensitivity
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attentiveness to detail required
• Strong interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills
• Experience and comfort utilizing computer systems (Banner, COD, NSLDS, FAA Access, SQL Developer) as well as skills with various applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are preferred

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

Disclaimer

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. We seek candidates who can affirm and contribute to our mission.

Providence College is also an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a Beloved Community — an environment that reflects the rich diversity of the human family and is marked by justice, charity and the promotion of the common good and flourishing of all. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge and commitment to develop the diverse learning environment envisioned as part of the Beloved Community. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The College’s Non-Discrimination policy can be found here.