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The Financial Aid Counselor will coordinate key financial aid processes, supervise student office assistants, and provide exceptional customer service through various channels. The role involves handling FAFSA record matching, overseeing the PA Ready to Succeed program, delivering financial wellness workshops, maintaining compliance with financial aid policies, and cross-training with other staff on essential financial aid tasks
Education Required
Bachelor’s Degree
Education Preferred
Experience Required
2 years of general office experience
Experience Preferred
Prior experience in a financial aid office
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position
* Strong verbal and written communication abilities for effective interaction with various stakeholders and in delivering financial wellness workshops.
* Proficiency in communicating clearly and empathetically with students, parents, and university staff through phone, email, and in-person interactions.
* Ability to work with and relate to both on and off-campus publics.
* Handle sensitive financial and personal information with the utmost confidentiality and integrity, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and institutional policies.
* Flexibility to adjust to frequent changes in the in-house processing system and in rules and regulations at the state and federal level.
* Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work independently, managing tasks and responsibilities without constant supervision.
* Competence with financial aid software and systems, as well as general computer skills for document processing and data management.
* Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain accuracy in processing and record-keeping.
* Precision in handling financial aid records, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
* Capability to hire, train, and supervise student office assistants, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment.
* Willingness to work closely with other Financial Aid and Student Financial Services staff, contributing to a cohesive team dynamic.
* Aptitude for identifying issues, developing solutions, and implementing corrective actions in financial aid processing and counseling.
* Dedication to supporting students’ financial well-being and helping them navigate financial aid processes to achieve their academic goals.
* Preference given to candidates who have:
o General knowledge of Federal, state and institutional financial aid rules and regulations, and billing/student accounts concepts.
o The ability to speak Spanish
Special Working Conditions
N/A
Driving Requirements
N/A
Essential Employee N/A
Primary Duties
* Coordinate Course and Program of Study (CPoS) processing each semester.
* Coordinate PA Ready to Succeed program processing.
* Match incoming FAFSA ( ISIR ) records with institutional records, resolving any discrepancies.
* Hire, supervise, and train student office assistants in financial aid functions.
* Provide quality customer service by assisting with phone calls, emails, and appointments with students, parents, and other offices, ensuring effective first-level financial aid counseling.
* Assist in delivering financial wellness workshops throughout the academic year in collaboration with the Student Financial Services ( SFS ) Office.
* Maintain thorough knowledge of institutional financial aid policies and procedures in accordance with federal guidelines.
* Help process document flow, imaging, and other procedures in conjunction with student office assistants.
* Cross-train with other Financial Aid and SFS Office staff on tasks such as Employee Educational Assistance Benefits, Change of Circumstance forms, Return of Title IV funds, and changes to student enrollment statuses that impact financial aid eligibility
* Maintain consistent and reliable attendance
Secondary Duties
* Process incoming non-institutional scholarship checks.
* Coordinate office supply orders.
* Schedule office meetings in the EMS system.
* Assist in updating content on the Financial Aid web pages.
* Other duties as assigned.
Supervises: # of Administrative
Supervises: # of Administrative 0
Supervises: # of Staff
Supervises: # of Staff 0
Supervises: # of Student
Supervises: # of Student 3
Posting Date
Posting Date 08/13/2024
Open Until Filled Yes
Application Deadline
Diversity
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
2. Resume
Optional Documents
Human Resources: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-5300
Student Employment: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-1800 x.2900
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