Financial Aid Counselor

Position Summary:

Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. For over 60 years, we have been preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare and service so they can make a difference in the lives of others. With educational programs in health sciences, nursing, psychology, liberal arts and healthcare management, the Maria curriculum offers opportunities for students to pursue numerous career interests. Maria College is seeking a financial aid office Counselor. This individual will be a first point-of-contact in the Financial Aid office for prospective students and their families who are seeking federal, state and institutional financial aid. This individual will assist students and their families with financial aid applications; organize and maintain accurate and complete student and applicant records, correspond with families via phone and email.

Job Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks:

1. Greet prospective students, students and parents in person, electronically or via the telephone to determine the nature of their requests; provide answers to their questions.

2. Utilize financial aid software to generate reports as requested and necessary for Financial Aid staff members to determine financial needs analysis and prepare packaging of available aid resources for students.

3. Assist students and families with questions relating to the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), track and correspond with applicants to obtain any needed documentation. Review completed applications with applicants for accuracy and completeness. Utilize Jenzabar to determine applicant’s need for additional documentation and provide forms and any explanation required. Provide financial aid counseling regarding all forms of financial aid. Review in detail the student cost of attendance both direct and indirect cost.

4. Provide applications for College provided scholarships, answering questions as required, and tracking completed applications for completeness of documentation.

6. Type correspondence, including award letters, aid distribution letters, entrance and exit interviews letters; prepare reports tracking the students enrolled in the Federal Work Study program to ensure hours worked and money earned match student award, track hours worked and paid to date information.

7. Conduct Satisfactory Academic Progress analysis each term, communicating with students and other stakeholders to support success and completion.

8. Interface with the Registrar’s office to receive and relay information regarding student withdrawal from school or from individual classes.

9. Assist with providing prospective student presentations on campus by being present at programs organized by the Admissions Office to answer financial aid questions.

10. Assist students and families with questions relating to the completion of the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), track and correspond with applicants to obtain any needed documentation. Review completed applications with applicants for accuracy and completeness. Utilize financial aid software to determine financial needs analysis and prepare packaging of available State aid resources.

Essential Functions: This job description is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Job Specifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience :

Associate degree is required, Bachelor’s degree is preferred, 1-3 year’s experience preferably in higher education.

Skills:

Incumbent must have attention to detail, strong data entry skills, and interpersonal skills to interact with clientele, the internal college community and external business for work study assignments. The ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and effectively function in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Technology Skills:

Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications (specifically Word, Excel and Outlook), have the ability to effectively interface with internet database programs as well as have the aptitude to learn and efficiently utilize the College’s database system.

Working Conditions: Work is completed in a typical office environment.

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and hear to convey important instructions to other people accurately. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger or feel and to perceive by eye and receive information visually. The job holder is often required to utilize close vision at 20” or less. Reaching, kneeling and potentially stooping are required for file maintenance.

This is primarily a sedentary job and the job holder is frequently required to sit. Minimal standing is also required.

Equipment:

The position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printer, phones, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Work Schedule Requirements :

A regular full-time schedule is typically worked with some evening or weekend hours as needed to complete work assignments or support Admissions Department events. This typically occurs 2-3 times annually. Infrequently, travel for development purposes may require overnight stay(s).

Salary : $55,000 per year

Interested candidates must submit cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Financial Aid Counselor” in the subject line.