Financial Aid Counselor

Marymount University • Lexington, MA

5d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor provides excellent customer service and guidance to financial aid applicants and their families throughout the financial aid application process; determines eligibility within the parameters of institutional, state and federal requirements. Direct Supervisor Director of Financial Aid Status Full-Time, Exempt Grade 9 Department Financial Aid Target Weekly Hours 40 Location 2807 N Glebe (Main Campus) Benefits Eligibility Yes MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Exercises independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid process Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families. Reviews incoming financial aid applications and any supporting documentation needed to determine the accuracy of the financial and household information reported on the FAFSA. Complete assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy to ensure compliance while experiencing multiple interruptions. Exercise great attention to detail when completing assignments as errors in judgment or calculations could result in unintended consequences for the student and/or the institution such as under or over funding of a student, loss of student eligibility, audit findings, fines, damage to school’s reputation or loss of institutional eligibility. Will have the authority to recalculate and make changes to financial aid awards when a student's eligibility changes. Maintain knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies as it relates to the awarding and disbursements of federal, state and institutional aid. Assists with the oversight of the administration of both the federal and private loans. This includes the certification of private education loans, resolving issues between the university’s system and the Dept of Education. Participation in state, regional and national professional development activities to ensure a complete understanding of federal and state regulations and remain current on changes to the federal and state aid programs. Must utilize conflict resolution skill set to pacify disgruntled students and parents, helping them to understand the situation and identify potential solutions to issues. Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations. On an occasional basis, travel to an off-campus meeting site to attend institutional workshops; Participates in committees under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid counselors to review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, Professional Judgment requests, and academic merit scholarship appeals, as needed. May be required to work minimum evenings and weekends. Other duties as assigned by the financial aid director/associate director and/or Manager of Financial Aid Counselors. OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS Participate in admissions open houses mostly related to Graduate programs. Accounting for specific financial aid program funds and helping plan policies and procedures to address changes in student aid program regulations and the needs of students. Contact with federal, state, and private agencies, as well as educational institutions, concerning specific program responsibilities is essential. The Counselor must maintain current and thorough knowledge of Title IV regulations as they pertain to certain financial aid programs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least one to two years of experience in financial aid (or a related student services area) or the equivalent combination of education and work experience combined.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of available types of financial aid, scholarships and general student eligibility criteria.
• Familiar with financial documents and a high competency of computer skills.
• Proficiency in basic technology (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel; Google Suites).
• Ability to interpret regulations and apply appropriately.
• Must speak Spanish

Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid process
• Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families.
• Reviews incoming financial aid applications and any supporting documentation needed to determine the accuracy of the financial and household information reported on the FAFSA.
• Complete assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy to ensure compliance while experiencing multiple interruptions.
• Exercise great attention to detail when completing assignments as errors in judgment or calculations could result in unintended consequences for the student and/or the institution such as under or over funding of a student, loss of student eligibility, audit findings, fines, damage to school’s reputation or loss of institutional eligibility.
• Will have the authority to recalculate and make changes to financial aid awards when a student's eligibility changes.
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies as it relates to the awarding and disbursements of federal, state and institutional aid.
• Assists with the oversight of the administration of both the federal and private loans. This includes the certification of private education loans, resolving issues between the university’s system and the Dept of Education.
• Participation in state, regional and national professional development activities to ensure a complete understanding of federal and state regulations and remain current on changes to the federal and state aid programs.
• Must utilize conflict resolution skill set to pacify disgruntled students and parents, helping them to understand the situation and identify potential solutions to issues.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• On an occasional basis, travel to an off-campus meeting site to attend institutional workshops
• Participates in committees under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid counselors to review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, Professional Judgment requests, and academic merit scholarship appeals, as needed.
• May be required to work minimum evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned by the financial aid director/associate director and/or Manager of Financial Aid Counselors.
• Participate in admissions open houses mostly related to Graduate programs.
• Accounting for specific financial aid program funds and helping plan policies and procedures to address changes in student aid program regulations and the needs of students.
• Contact with federal, state, and private agencies, as well as educational institutions, concerning specific program responsibilities is essential.
• The Counselor must maintain current and thorough knowledge of Title IV regulations as they pertain to certain financial aid programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Marymount offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit-eligible faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents.
• The University’s retirement plan includes a diversified portfolio of investment options, with a University match of up to 3% of employee pretax contributions for full-time employees.
• In addition to competitive health and welfare benefits, Marymount offers flexible and hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, allowing up to two remote workdays per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees