Financial Aid Counselor

About Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate programs

Job Summary:

Counselors provide integrated student services to Saint Peters students, families, and staff in the main area of Enrollment Services. The Counselor position requires an in-depth understanding of and training on institutional, federal and state policies regulating financial aid, academic records, registration, and student account billing. Additionally, Counselors are equipped with a broad knowledge of campus resources and services. As a vital resource for the University community, it is essential for counselors to provide outstanding customer service. Counselors must exhibit excellent problem solving skills and independent professional judgement when resolving diverse community. Additionally, Counselors engage in sensitive conversations related to academic success and financial matters. Counselors may be asked to serve on various committees, engage in professional development and provide campus and community outreach. Through their broad knowledge of the University, Counselors have the authority to apply independent discretion and professional judgment without supervisor approval in a variety of situations, many of which can have significant impact on the University.

Salary for this position is dependent upon prior work experience in financial aid.

Counseling, Advising and Processing (80%)

• Counsel, advise, investigate, problem-solve, and resolve questions and issues from current and previous students, parents, staff, academic departments, other third parties, and the public.

• Provide advising to students and parents with in-depth financial aid questions concerning FAFSA applications. Explain verification, financial aid eligibility and disbursement of aid, as well as cost of attendance figures, difference and benefits of different aid types and estimated family contribution.

• Counsel students on a variety of issues to include financial aid, billing, and payments.

• Counsel students on requirements for various aid programs such as Pell, Federal work-study, Loans and NJ State TAG awards.

• Advise students and parents on the availability of student aid, types of student aid, processing procedures and other consumer information as it relates to student aid.

• Package students using federal, institutional and state guidelines and ensure that award letters are generated, reviewed and processed timely.

• Responsible for verification of federally and institutionally selected students. This includes collecting, reviewing and correcting financial information and forms submitted by parents/students.

• Resolution of federal C-flags that result from mismatches for: citizenship, alien status, etc.

• Resolve discrepancies in submitted financial aid information with parents and students.

• Counsel students/parents on the financial aid process, verification criteria and ways to finance their education.

• Review academic progress and monitor changes that will affect federal/state aid eligibility each semester.

• Other duties as assigned.

Community Outreach & Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Present orientation and other related presentations to students, parents, and other University staff.

• Attend as needed: Admitted Student Days, Open Houses, Admission events, New and Transfer Student Orientations, Parent Orientations, and FWS Orientation event, etc.

• Serve on committees as needed.

• Act as liaison to the Admission and Advisement departments.

• Events can include evening and weekend hours.

• Complete other dut