Financial Aid Counselor, Front End

University of San Francisco; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of San Francisco seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to counsel students and parents on financial aid programs and assist with federal, state, and institutional aid administration.

You will conduct need analysis, verify data, package aid, certify loan eligibility, and ensure compliance with federal regulations while coordinating scholarship processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in financial aid or higher education preferred.
• Strong command of English language, both verbally and written.
• Public presentation skills and willingness to utilize such skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with an ability to advise students.
• Detail and goal oriented with excellent organizational skills for multiple projects.
• Technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite and database management with automated financial aid systems (e.g. Ellucian Banner).

Responsibilities

• Provides financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of financial aid processes.
• Makes necessary referrals to other student services offices.
• Effectively communicates details of all major financial aid applications and programs.
• Counsels prospective and enrolled students on financial aid, budgeting, and financial management.
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state regulations and university policies related to financial aid.
• Coordinates the awarding of undergraduate and graduate scholarships and manages private scholarship programs.
• Performs verification of FAFSA data and makes corrections as needed.
• Researches relevant US Department of Education directives and IRS publications for proper handling of files.
• Collaborates with office and external departments to ensure proper processing and documentation.

Skills

English proficiency

Public speaking

Customer service

Organizational skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

2+ years financial aid experience

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Job description

Financial Aid Counselor

Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor, Front End Job Summary: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible, under the supervision of the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, for counseling and advising students and parents on the various financial aid programs, assisting with the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Counselor will conduct student need analysis, perform federal verifications and packaging of student aid, certify federal loan eligibility, provide financial aid counseling, make professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility and facilitate problem solving with students and parents while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Incumbents in this job classification will interact with specific external departments and outside agencies to coordinate and facilitate the processes for students’ eligibility regarding scholarships.

Full Job Description

• Provides financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of financial aid processes.
• Makes necessary referrals to other student services offices.
• Effectively communicates to students, parents, and other constituents the details of all major financial aid applications and programs (including but not limited to regulatory requirements).
• Counsels prospective and enrolled students on all aspects of financial aid, to include financial management and budgeting practices, as appropriate.
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state regulations, and university policies related to financial aid programs to ensure the proper processing and documentation of awards.
• Maintains knowledge of all scholarship program criteria and federal regulations and University policies related to financial aid programs and establishes administrative procedures to ensure the proper processing and documentation of scholarships.
• Manage private scholarship programs, including developing a positive liaison relationship with the students and organizations.
• Create, publicize and collect (if applicable) application materials.
• Maintains scholarship website.
• Coordinates the awarding of all undergraduate scholarships.
• Coordinates the awarding of graduate scholarships, as applicable.
• Coordinates the internal awarding and disbursement of undergraduate scholarships and other institutionally funded programs with appropriate departments and the schools within the University.
• Accurately performs verification of federal financial aid application data in accordance with federal regulations.
• Make corrections to the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and financial aid package when applicable due to verification.
• Comments on the student file for discrepant data and seeks resolution from the student either through mailings, e-mails, or phone calls.
• Research applicable U.S. Department of Education directive and/or Internal Revenue Service publications for the proper handling and resolution of student files.
• Assist in form creation/updating to collect required information.
• Reviews and updates student communication plans within Campus Logic and in addition, external student communication.
• Collaborate and train with the Counseling area to ensure a smooth verification process and seek ways to improve the student’s experience while still adhering to federal regulations.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Operations, oversees the development and maintenance of sections of the office Policies and Procedures Manual related to outside scholarship awarding.
• Participates in office outreach events to include planing and presenting financial aid workshops, seminars, etc. which may be outside of traditional office hours and/or out of town.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and (2) years of experience working in financial aid or higher education preferred.
• Working knowledge of Title IV regulations.
• Strong command of English language, both verbally and written.
• Public presentation skills, and willingness to utilize such skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with an ability to advise students.
• Detail and goal oriented with excellent organizational skills that enable one to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Technical skills including intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet, document and email applications, and database management including use of automated financial aid systems, preferably Ellucian Banner system.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Ability to spend extended periods of productive time conducting business on the telephone and/or utilizing a computer keyboard while viewing the computer screen.
• Must be able to obtain and retain user access to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), i.e., may not be in default on any student loans or owe repayment of any federal or state grants.
• Understanding of and commitment to USF’s Vision, Mission and Values.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time

Pay Rate: Salary

Salary Range : $70,304 annualized

The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of one of the world’s most innovative and diverse cities, and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields. Its diverse student body enjoys direct access to faculty, small classes and outstanding opportunities in the city itself. USF is San Francisco's first university, and its Jesuit Catholic mission helps ignite a student’s passion for social justice and a desire to “Change the World From Here.” For more information, visit www.usfca.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The University of San Francisco is an equal opportunity institution of higher education. The University does not discriminate in employment, educational services, or academic programs on the basis of an individual's race, color, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except minors), sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related and genetic-related), disability and military status or any other basis prohibited by law. The University reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities under the law. Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For more information visit: http://sfgov.org/olse/fair-chance-ordinance-fco.