Financial Aid Counselor

Saint Peter's University, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic, coeducational, liberal arts University located in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Saint Peter's University seeks to develop the whole person in preparation for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a diverse and global society.

Committed to academic excellence and individual attention, Saint Peter's University provides education, informed by values, primarily in degree-granting programs in the arts, science, and business, to resident and commuting students from a variety of backgrounds.

Saint Peter’s University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Saint Peter’s University desires to ensure that faculty, students and staff members from underrepresented and marginalized populations are an integral part of the life and governance of the institution.

For more information about Saint Peter's University, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.

Named #1 in the nation for transformation in 2018 by the American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Financial Aid Counselor

Campus

Jersey City Campus

Department

Financial Aid

Full Time, Part Time, Adjunct

Job Description

Counselors provide integrated student services to Saint Peters students, families, and staff in the main area of Enrollment Services. The Counselor position requires an in-depth understanding of and training on institutional, federal and state policies regulating financial aid, academic records, registration, and student account billing. Additionally, Counselors are equipped with a broad knowledge of campus resources and services.

As a vital resource for the University community, it is essential for counselors to provide outstanding customer service. Counselors must exhibit excellent problem solving skills and independent professional judgement when resolving diverse community. Additionally, Counselors engage in sensitive conversations related to academic success and financial matters.

Counselors may be asked to serve on various committees, engage in professional development and provide campus and community outreach. Through their broad knowledge of the University, Counselors have the authority to apply independent discretion and professional judgment without supervisor approval in a variety of situations, many of which can have significant impact on the University.

student questions and concerns. Furthermore, Counselors must possess an understanding of the University’s

Duties & Responsibilities

Counseling, Advising and Processing (80%)


· Counsel, advise, investigate, problem-solve, and resolve questions and issues from current and previous students, parents, staff, academic departments, other third parties, and the public.
· Provide advising to students and parents with in-depth financial aid questions concerning FAFSA applications. Explain verification, financial aid eligibility and disbursement of aid, as well as cost of attendance figures, difference and benefits of different aid types and estimated family contribution.
· Counsel students on a variety of issues to include financial aid, billing, and payments.
· Counsel students on requirements for various aid programs such as Pell, Federal work-study, Loans and NJ State TAG awards.
· Advise students and parents on the availability of student aid, types of student aid, processing procedures and other consumer information as it relates to student aid.
· Package students using federal, institutional and state guidelines and ensure that award letters are generated, reviewed and processed timely.
· Responsible for verification of federally and institutionally selected students. This includes collecting, reviewing and correcting financial information and forms submitted by parents/students.
· Resolution of federal C-flags that result from mismatches for: citizenship, alien status, etc.
· Resolve discrepancies in submitted financial aid information with parents and students.
· Counsel students/parents on the financial aid process, verification criteria and ways to finance their education.
· Review academic progress and monitor changes that will affect federal/state aid eligibility each semester.
· Other duties as assigned.

Standards:


· Provide start-to-finish student service using professional judgment and individual discretion in both simple and complex issues involving minimal supervisory guidance.
· Offer pro-active and on-the-spot, independent support and problem resolution in a broad range of areas and issues.
· Keep abreast of institutional, departmental, federal and state regulations. Exercise authority to implement changes and make exceptions to students’ financial aid awards.
· Continually look for ways to improve service to students.
· Provide customer service consistent with the University’s inclusive and welcoming service standards.

Community Outreach & Other Duties as Assigned (10%)


· Present orientation and other related presentations to students, parents and other University staff.
· Attend as needed: Admitted Student Days, Open Houses, Admission events, New and Transfer Student Orientations, Parent Orientations, and FWS Orientation event, etc.
· Serve on committees as needed.
· Act as liaison to the Admission and Advisement departments.
· Events can include evening and weekend hours.
· Complete other duties as assigned.

Standards


· Successfully represent the University at various events.
· Successfully represent Financial Aid within the University community by communicating accurate and timely information.
· Demonstrate excellent communication skills.
· Engage in relationship building within the University community.
· Complete other duties by assigned deadline.




Appeals & Petitions (10%)


· Evaluate and complete: Financial Aid appeals, Academic Progress Appeals, Courses applicable to the degree reviews, etc.

Standards


· Accurately counsel students on impact to their record based on the type of appeal or petition submitted.
· Thoroughly investigate appeals and petitions as well as review supporting documentation to make decision.
· Contact appropriate parties for further information when needed.
· Evaluate and act on appeals, meeting deadlines established for each appeal.
· Review student eligibility for financial aid based on current enrollment. Use professional judgment as needed for appeals.
· Communicate results of waiver, appeal or petition to students in a professional manner.

Qualification Standards

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
· Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write clear, concise letters using effective writing skills.
· Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and identities.
· Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.
· Ability to analyze and interpret data and make independent decisions; responsible for decisions.
· Highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented.
· Ability to meet expectations in a fast-paced and dynamic, customer-oriented environment.
· Must be able to effectively present information and represent the College at outreach events, both on- and off-campus which can include evening and weekend hours and possibly travel.
· Student financial aid experience preferred with registration and student accounts receivable experience a plus.
· Knowledge of and experience with MMC, including institutional policies, procedures, and processes a plus.
· Demonstrated project management and public speaking skills.
· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite (GMail, Drive, Docs, etc.), student records, financial aid software (Colleague), and CRM platforms ( SLATE ).

Education

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :
· BA/BS degree with at least one year of related work or a combination of related education and work experience to equal three years.

Physical Demands

Experience

· At least one year of work experience in higher education.

Licenses (if applicable)

Working Conditions

Physical requirements

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

PS398P

Position Posting Date

Close Date

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link

https://saintpeters.peopleadmin.com/postings/3390