Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

The Financial Aid Counselor is an integral member of the student financial aid team, serving the entire prospective and current student body in capacities related to the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships. Duties may include, but are not limited to, awarding students and administration of financial aid programs in accordance with relevant state and federal regulations and institutional policies. This includes reviewing and establishing student eligibility, executing student packaging strategies, completing federal Verification, Return of Title IV funds, and Professional Judgements. Additional duties include enrollment status reconciliation, housing and tuition budget adjustments, study abroad, processing of Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, and all aspects of the student financial aid lifecycle. High caliber customer service, attention to detail and the ability to create and retain relationships with students and their families, as well as the rest of the University Community is required. Attendance at EMG Events, retention and student service events, and counseling and advising students and their families is expected. This position also serves as a key lead and point of contact for Federal Work Study and Institutional Student Employment within the Financial Aid Team.

The Financial Aid Counselor may often be the first point of contact with the university, and therefore, must become familiar with university personnel, operations, and events, and will be responsible for creating a positive first impression of Duquesne. The Financial Aid Counselor will join a service-oriented team and is responsible for counseling students and parents in all areas of financial aid.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meets with families and students in-person, virtually, and via telephone outreach. Counsel incoming and current students on financial aid packages. Provides guidance to students who are requesting re-evaluation of awards exercising professional judgment.

Case management of student files, including awarding, verification, document processing, C Codes, R2T4, Study Abroad, SAP, applications and all other duties as required to support the financial aid lifecycle of students in the assigned caseload for the entirety of their academic career.

Represent financial aid at various open house events for current and incoming students.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

1-3 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience.

Preferred qualifications:

3-5 years of financial aid experience, experience with COD, FAA Access, Ellucian Banner Systems and StudentAid.gov platforms preferred.

Proficiency with PC, Microsoft Office tools, email and the Internet with the ability to learn a variety of new technology systems; COGNOS reporting; familiarity with Slate and Banner preferred.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Highly developed interpersonal, analytic, problem-solving, organizational and communication skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully and respectfully to a diverse population of constituents and stakeholders

Strong communication skills, both oral and written providing the ability to effectively communicate with multiple internal and external constituents

Membership and active engagement in appropriate national student service organizations, such as NASFA and PASFA

Ability to prepare and maintain confidential data independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and exercise consistent discretion

Ability to create and maintain complex records and files

Active and ongoing engagement in directed and self-directed learning related to

Knowledge and understanding of federal, states and agency-accrediting rules and regulations as they pertain to higher education admission. Very strong knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning financial aid, as well as NCAA regulations

Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies governing the operations of the University

Ensures compliance with Federal and State laws pertaining to financial aid and FERPA

Proactive, strategic, analytical and deadline-oriented in a complex organization

Ability and willingness to work outside of regular business hours and some weekends during peak enrollment periods

Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during peak enrollment periods

Sensitivity to the needs of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as related to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns and an ecumenical campus community.

Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission. Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.