Financial Aid Counselor

University of Saint Joseph; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saint Joseph is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist with implementing financial aid programs and to guide students and families through the aid process, helping them understand options to cover tuition and related costs.

The role includes preparing aid packages, verifying eligibility, counseling on financing options, and supporting outreach at events. Strong organizational and communication skills, plus a commitment to confidentiality, are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with financial aid and financial aid systems strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS financial aid management system preferred.
• Knowledge of government and private resources for funding a college education a plus.
• Experience in higher education a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepares financial aid packages, performs verifications, and provides counseling regarding financing options for assigned student populations.
• Works directly with new students concerning available financial assistance to pay for tuition and loan repayment.
• Counsels’ students concerning loan default prevention initiatives, debt education, and financial literacy programs.
• Assist the Director in oversight of the Tuition Exchange program.
• Imports and exports ISIR files (FAFSA’s).
• Assists with communicating information concerning external scholarship opportunities.
• Accurately enters aid-related information and data, tracks document and records, and maintains files in accordance with Office procedures.
• Responds to routine requests for information regarding the Office of Student Financial Services, including programs and events sponsored by the Office, and refers complex requests to appropriate staff for follow up.
• Represents the Office of Student Financial Services at events, including occasional evening and weekend events, such as, but not limited to, recruitment events, information sessions, and career fairs.
• Responsible for ensuring an environment of confidentiality surrounding sensitive, private, financial documents and data.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PowerFAIDS

MS Office

Job description

The Financial Aid Counselor assists with the implementation of the University’s financial aid programs, including the compliant administration of federal, state, and institutional need- and merit-based funds. The Financial Aid Counselor works directly with students/families to help navigate the financial aid process and provides information to enable students to develop a financial plan to pay for tuition and associated costs of enrollment.

• Prepares financial aid packages, performs verifications, and provides counseling regarding financing options for assigned student populations.
• Works directly with new students concerning available financial assistance to pay for tuition and loan repayment.
• Counsels’ students concerning loan default prevention initiatives, debt education, and financial literacy programs.
• Assist the Director in oversight of the Tuition Exchange program.
• Imports and exports ISIR files (FAFSA’s).
• Assists with communicating information concerning external scholarship opportunities.
• Accurately enters aid-related information and data, tracks document and records, and maintains files in accordance with Office procedures.
• Responds to routine requests for information regarding the Office of Student Financial Services, including programs and events sponsored by the Office, and refers complex requests to appropriate staff for follow up.
• Represents the Office of Student Financial Services at events, including occasional evening and weekend events, such as, but not limited to, recruitment events, information sessions, and career fairs.
• Responsible for ensuring an environment of confidentiality surrounding sensitive, private, financial documents and data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The Financial Aid Counselor assists with the implementation of the University’s financial aid programs, including the compliant administration of federal, state, and institutional need- and merit-based funds. The Financial Aid Counselor works directly with students/families to help navigate the financial aid process and provides information to enable students to develop a financial plan to pay for tuition and associated costs of enrollment.

• Prepares financial aid packages, performs verifications, and provides counseling regarding financing options for assigned student populations.
• Works directly with new students concerning available financial assistance to pay for tuition and loan repayment.
• Counsels’ students concerning loan default prevention initiatives, debt education, and financial literacy programs.
• Assist the Director in oversight of the Tuition Exchange program.
• Imports and exports ISIR files (FAFSA’s).
• Assists with communicating information concerning external scholarship opportunities.
• Accurately enters aid-related information and data, tracks document and records, and maintains files in accordance with Office procedures.
• Responds to routine requests for information regarding the Office of Student Financial Services, including programs and events sponsored by the Office, and refers complex requests to appropriate staff for follow up.
• Represents the Office of Student Financial Services at events, including occasional evening and weekend events, such as, but not limited to, recruitment events, information sessions, and career fairs.
• Responsible for ensuring an environment of confidentiality surrounding sensitive, private, financial documents and data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with financial aid and financial aid systems strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS financial aid management system preferred.
• Knowledge of government and private resources for funding a college education a plus.
• Experience in higher education a plus.

Other Qualifications

• Well-organized, multi-tasker, effective time-manager, problem-solver, and a creative “people person” who is customer service-oriented, pays attention to details, and works with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to function independently while operating effectively within a team in a fast-paced, customer service environment with patience; flexibility; a positive attitude; attention to detail; and strong organizational, interpersonal, diplomatic, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; and the ability to work professionally with students, faculty, staff, and administration and to represent the University professionally to the public.
• Engaging personality, friendliness, enthusiasm, sense of humor, positive attitude, persistence, and passion for the work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and to work comfortably with students, colleagues, and internal and external constituents, including diverse populations.
• Proficient computer skills, including working with Windows, MS Office Suite, and the Internet. Familiarity with specific applications used by the University and the Office of Student Financial Services a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately handle matters of a confidential nature.
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.