Financial Aid Counselor

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate programs

Job Summary:

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.

Salary for this position is dependent upon prior work experience in financial aid.

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.

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.

Appeals & Petitions (10%)

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

This position is a 35-hour work week position.

Hourly Range: $27.47 – $32.97/hr

Benefits:

Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave

• Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Roth and Traditional options

• Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents

• Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and more

The well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.

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:

• BA/BS degree with at least one year of related work experience.