Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor
Salary:
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2015-1603657
Location: CA 94556, CA
Department: Financial Aid
Closing: 9/3/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Background

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.

As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.

Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Systems Specialist, the
Financial Aid Counselor provides a variety of advising services in a front-facing role, as well as support or the financial aid systems as a whole. As the first point of contact, they work closely with students and families on financial aid opportunities and provides counseling in person, by phone and via email. Performs functions related to the technical and functional financial aid processes, conduct occasional student need analysis, packaging of student aid, monitoring of federal verification and direct loan support.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides counseling assistance to students, families, and the outside
community regarding financial aid opportunities. Front desk customer
service duties including, but not limited to, answering the phone, replying
to email, attending to general in-person inquiries, scheduling appointments
for high-level inquiries and monitoring office supply stock.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of institutional, federal and state financial aid
programs, including regulations, law and policy. The Financial Aid
Counselor must have a general knowledge of the concept and calculation of
needs analysis, student budgets, financial aid packaging, and professional
judgment through use of Ellucian Colleague as well as the Federal
Databases. Works independently on assignments that are varied and
complex; processes and maintains confidential records.

3. Provides occasional technical and functional assistance by running and
thoroughly reviewing specific Informer reports to determine rejected
records, students selected for federal Verification and complete files ready
for professional review and packaging. Using Colleague Communication
Management functions, prepares letters/emails to students informing them
of missing documents/forms. Manages ImageNow workflows and
documentation scanning.

4. Works in a highly collaborative and culturally diverse environment,
develops effective relationships within other areas of the College. Serves as
the Financial Aid's liaison with other departments across campus. Attends
workshops and meetings consistent with professional development as well
as on-going College training to meet the growing demands of the position.
May attend new-student orientations.

5. Assist senior staff with management of various financial aid programs, ie. Federal Work-Study, Cal Grants, Direct Loan Processing etc.

6. Other duties as Assigned

Experience and Qualifications

Education: REQUIRED: Associate Degree PREFERRED: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: Minimum one-two years of experience providing high quality financial aid related experience; customer service experience in similar setting or in higher education.

Skills/Abilities: (e.g. computer skills, written & verbal skills, trades, laws, procedures, technical)
Strong interpersonal, verbal and written skills. Highly developed organizational skills, extremely detail-oriented. Ability to handle complex inquiries and interact in a calm and supportive manner with diverse student body, families, staff, and faculty. Ability to work independently under pressure with time sensitive projects, seek consultation when necessary and remain part of a team in a fast paced, high-pressure environment. Working knowledge of federal, state and local policies and legislation related to student financial aid. Strong mathematical,
analytical, and problem solving skills required. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, internet and email system, Ellucian/Colleague, Entrinsik Informer and COD a plus.

Other Requirements: Work load may require some weekend and evening work.

Supplemental Information

Application Instructions: Please apply on-line at http://jobs.stmarys-ca.edu

1) Include a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the College

2) A resume

3) The name and contact information for three (3) professional references.

In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third party background check.

Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.

College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report-0. To request a paper copy please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4284. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.


Please apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/stmarys jeid-38fbfdb7dce85c4498f70cec10958ccb