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

Essential Functions:

• Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics.  As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all activities in the Office of Student Financial Services
• Provide excellent customer service and support to the Student Financial Services Office 
• Assure consistent application of office policy & procedure 
• Financial Aid Counseling of prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid options
• Responsible for resolving routine student account, financial aid, and academic questions & concerns
• Represent the University on and off campus at recruitment events, financial aid information sessions, open house events, accepted student’s day, connection day, etc
• Participate in professional development opportunities and professional organizations on the regional, state, and national levels including:  PHEAA, PASFAA, NASFAA, PowerFaids, etc
• Position requires some work nights, weekend, extended work hours, and travel to off-site locations

 Additional Responsibilities:

• First point of contact for incoming student inquiry including walk-ins, emails, and phone calls
• Provide a high level of financial aid counseling including incorporation of Best Practices in SFS Counseling and providing holistic financial aid planning students’ full college careers for traditional day and grad and adult undergraduate student populations 
• Use an integrated approach for student aid issues including working closely with staff from Student Services offices including Student Accounts, Registrar, Navigation, S.O.L.A.R, Residence Life, Admissions, GAE, and Holleran Center 
• Respond to all student inquiries from walk-ins, emails, phone, or Teams within a 24-48 hour time frame
• Communication follow up from SFS team members such as missing documents, verification, and processing issues
• Assist with packaging traditional day and GAE new & returning freshman and transfer students
• Assist with PHEAA processing 
• Presentations for internal/external populations 

Qualifications/Education:

• Commitment to the mission statement, core values and goals of Alvernia University.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Basic knowledge of federal and state regulations as well as entry-level experience in awarding and processing federal, state, and institutional aid, at least 2 years financial aid counseling experience preferred
• Must provide exceptional customer service, specifically related to the mission of the university
• Experience with PowerFaids, Power Campus, NSLDS, COD, PHEAA preferred
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and customer service skills across varied audiences such as students, families, staff, alumni, and the community
• Ability to manage multiple projects with time-sensitive deadlines, working as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision, and additional hours as needed
• Ability to diffuse difficult or emotional situations with students and/or families
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including outlook, word, excel and SharePoint

 Physical Requirements:

• Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.