Student Financial Aid Counselor — Impactful Support

Alvernia University; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition remission

Flexible/hybrid work options

Paid holidays

Job summary

Alvernia University in Reading, PA, seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to provide comprehensive counseling on federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The role supports data integrity in PowerFAIDS and partners with Admissions, Registrar, Residence Life, and other offices to assist students and families throughout the aid process.

The counselor will handle eligibility, verification, and financing options, with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in financial aid, student financial services, or related field preferred.
• Strong proficiency with PowerFAIDS, ED Connect, COD, NSLDS a plus.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to regulatory changes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and families.
• Respond to student inquiries within 24–48 hours and maintain confidentiality of records.
• Collaborate with offices such as Admissions, Registrar, Residence Life, and HR to coordinate support.
• Assist with maintaining PowerFAIDS data, verification, and award packages.
• Support compliance, reporting, and reconciliation tasks; participate in training and professional development.

Skills

Financial aid counseling

PowerFAIDS

ED Connect

NSLDS

Strong communication

Confidentiality

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ED Connect

COD

NSLDS

Job description

Alvernia University in Reading, PA, seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to provide comprehensive counseling on federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The role supports data integrity in PowerFAIDS and partners with Admissions, Registrar, Residence Life, and other offices to assist students and families throughout the aid process.

The counselor will handle eligibility, verification, and financing options, with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.