Financial Aid Counselor

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to advise a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Each counselor handles a population of about 2,000 students and navigates complex regulations with empathy and professionalism.

You will use needs analysis and professional judgment to adjust aid calculations, participate in community outreach, and represent the office at on- and off-campus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Two (2) plus years of Customer service, Counseling, Financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional programs via in person or virtual appointments, phone appointments, and email communications, all of which are very heavy during the admission and returning award seasons.
• Review and respond to a high volume of student/parent appeals for additional scholarship and need-based funding. Perform in-depth analysis of students’ current financial situation in comparison with the situation presented on their financial aid applications and use professional judgment to adjust applications to more accurately reflect students’ present day special circumstances.
• Perform institutional needs analysis review for approximately 150 applicants/current students to calculate an institutional expected family contribution.
• Using the verified/reviewed applications as a starting point, perform further research/analysis on the additional data fields provided on the CSS Profile and on supporting documentation submitted by the family.
• Present, as well as participate in, a variety of professional development opportunities including webinars, professional organization conferences, local/regional meetings, and university offerings.

Skills

Title IV regs

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

PeopleSoft

Overtime availability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

PeopleSoft

OnBase

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The Financial Aid Counselor is part of a team that supports Syracuse University’s effort to attract and retain qualified students by advising a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on matters pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor is responsible for a population of approximately 2,000 students. Counselors assist students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies and payment options, and academic progress. They work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each student they advise. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment as appropriate to adjust calculations. Counselors represent the office at both on and off campus events throughout the year.

Job Description

The Financial Aid Counselor is part of a team that supports Syracuse University’s effort to attract and retain qualified students by advising a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on matters pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor is responsible for a population of approximately 2,000 students. Counselors assist students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies and payment options, and academic progress. They work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each student they advise. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment as appropriate to adjust calculations. Counselors represent the office at both on and off campus events throughout the year.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Two (2) plus years of Customer service, Counseling, Financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering federal Title IV, state and University financial aid programs to ensure compliance.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills as well as the ability to use professionalism, tact, discretion, and compassion in advising. Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for students and staff. This includes but is not limited to: fostering an office environment that allows students and staff of different backgrounds and identities to feel safe, accepted, and understood; helping students with financial aid and financial literacy education to overcome barriers to college attainment; and helping develop and further initiatives in this area.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.
• Availability for overtime during peak award season.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional programs via in person or virtual appointments, phone appointments, and email communications, all of which are very heavy during the admission and returning award seasons. Each counselor has a population of approximately 2,000 students receiving some type of financial aid and provides advisement to that population using principles that are sensitive to the challenges of students in their assigned cohort while adhering to the ever-changing U.S. Department of Education and University policies and procedures. Each counselor also monitors the aid eligibility of their student population weekly and adjusts aid as necessary throughout the year. Counselors also participate in multiple community outreach programs as well as on campus Admissions programs during the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Review and respond to a high volume of student/parent appeals for additional scholarship and need-based funding. Perform in-depth analysis of students’ current financial situation in comparison with the situation presented on their financial aid applications and use professional judgment to adjust applications to more accurately reflect students’ present day special circumstances. Professional decision-making skills and discretion used to award approximately 80% of appeal funding on an individual basis with more complex appeal recommendations (approximately 20%) presented to committee and supervisor for approval.
• Perform institutional needs analysis review for approximately 150 applicants/current students to calculate an institutional expected family contribution. Balance the stewardship of institutional, state and federal aid funds with the needs of the family, as well as the goals of the university, while carefully analyzing each family’s situation.
• Using the verified/reviewed applications as a starting point, perform further research/analysis on the additional data fields provided on the CSS Profile and on supporting documentation submitted by the family.
• Utilize knowledge of the University’s needs analysis calculation, established needs analysis guidelines, experience, and professional judgement to evaluate whether the calculation is reflective of the family’s ability to contribute, and adjust eligibility calculations as appropriate.
• Present, as well as participate in, a variety of professional development opportunities including webinars, professional organization conferences, local/regional meetings, and university offerings. Share learnings obtained at these professional development opportunities by presenting to and training colleagues and campus partners.
• Participation in professional development activities is critical to stay current with changes to federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies regarding the awarding of financial aid.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.