Financial Counselor I

Position Information

University Code 35211 University Title Student Advisor 1 University Job Family Student Services ORP Eligible No For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Single Title Scope of Search Regional Working Title Financial Counselor I Position Number 591620 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? No Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Non-Exempt Employee Group University Employee Department Student Financial Services Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the Financial Counselor is to guide and counsel students and parents on options to pay for college including financial aid eligibility and financing options. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, financial aid literacy, billing questions, student accounting payment options, and policies and procedures at the University.
The Counselor provides information and advice about all financial aid programs through various forums including in-person meetings and other outreach efforts. The Counselor reviews, evaluates, verifies, and analyzes financial aid and student accounting applications, forms, and records in compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures. The Counselor resolves conflicting information, investigates unusual situations, and works with appropriate university officials on implementing the appropriate outcome.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:

Financial Counseling:
• Advise and counsel student and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies, and procedures at the university.
• Manage a large caseload of students utilizing a holistic approach to counseling and case management for students (and parents) which includes: affordability, costs of education, financial awareness, campus resources, and payment options.
• Have direct contact with students and parents on an appointment, walk-in basis, over the phone, and other communication platforms.
• Provide information about all student financial aid programs and program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc.
• Discuss confidential financial data and other family circumstances with students and others. Advise about impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs.
• Exercise “professional judgment” in individual student situations. Professional judgement delineates that the financial counselor determines, after reviewing the student’s situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outlined in program regulation and that the student should be an “exception to the rule.”
• Partner with academic advisors to suggest various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of aid.
• In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, the employee must project a sensitive and caring attitude.
• The employee must recognize the impact his/her interaction with the student and/or parent in this situation can have on his/her college career and personal life.
• As part of the position’s counseling activities, may contact other university offices to seek advice for the student or serve as an advocate for the student. The position also may contact private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the US Department of Education for information or as an advocate for the student.

Program Knowledge:

• Thoroughly understand and clearly communicate federal, state, and institutional financial aid and student accounting programs, policies, and procedures.
• Utilize Banner student system to navigate through the student’s record to find necessary information to assist the student, complete appropriate processes, tracking and notations.
• This position must be knowledgeable of important dates and deadlines each semester to ensure correct information is given.

Financial Aid Outreach and Literacy:

• Supports and coordinates outreach for programs within the University such as orientation, open houses, workshops and other various outreach requests that include both on and off campus events. This may include some daily or overnight travel.
• Presents financial aid and cost of education information to parent and student groups on and off campus.
• Assists with other projects in the office, Student Financial Services unit, or the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management during peak periods and as assigned.
• Supports planning for module/section(s) of UNIV first time freshman students.
• May represent the Student Financial Services unit at various University functions.
• Promotes the values and mission of VCU to all constituents in a positive and professional manner.

Information and Records Administration:

• Position will review applicable documents that pertain to a student’s financial aid application and review for completeness and compare it with information already contained on student’s financial aid Banner record.
• Position must understand the Federal and State regulations surrounding Financial Aid to determine if additional information is needed or if the file is complete to determine the award package.
• Position will be responsible for determining award based on these guidelines.

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Counseling, Student Services, or related field or a combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities.
• Experience in school or college counseling, financial aid activities, or related field.
• Quantitative and analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to project a positive image of the University and the office at all times.
• Ability to explain complex concepts in clear and concise language.
• Ability to support and attend UNIV courses related to financial aid literacy.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU .

Preferred Hiring Standards

• Ability to teach UNIV courses with either the applicable Master’s degree or at least 18 graduate hours completed.
• Bilingual ability specifically with Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin Chinese.

Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range $32,000 Application Process/Additional Information Campus Monroe Park Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours M-F Job Open Date 05/27/2021 Posting will close on or before 06/27/2021 Open Until Filled No Job Category Accounting/ Management/ Professional Is this a restricted position? No Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/106375 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education you possess?
   • High School/GED
   • Associate's Degree
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree
2. * How many years of experience do you have working in college counseling, Financial Aid or a related field?
   • 0
   • 1-2
   • 2-3
   • 3 or more
3. * Are you Bilingual?
   • Yes
   • No
4. If so, what languages do you speak?
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Other Document