What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor position at St. Catherine University?
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Financial Aid Counselor
Division
Enrollment
Department/Office
Financial Aid Office
Position Summary Information
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St. Catherine University and the Financial Aid Office invites applications for a fulltime Financial Aid Counselor.
The Financial Aid Counselor administers financial aid from federal, state, institutional, and private funding sources and serves as an awarding specialist for primarily undergraduate students. The Financial Aid Counselor advises students and families on application procedures, award program criteria, financial aid policy and regulations, and aid options to meet educational expenses. The Financial Aid Counselor provides support to the front desk operations as needed, assists the loan manager with daily and weekly loan processing as needed, and serves as the office subject matter expert and primary point of contact for the a limited number of specific aid programs. The Financial Aid Counselor works with the Assistant Director or Director on special projects and assignments.
Responsibilities:
The Financial Aid Counselor administers financial aid from federal, state, institutional, and private funding sources and serves as an awarding specialist for primarily undergraduate students. The Financial Aid Counselor advises students and families on application procedures, award program criteria, financial aid policy and regulations, and aid options to meet educational expenses. The Financial Aid Counselor provides support to the front desk operations as needed, assists the loan manager with daily and weekly loan processing as needed, and serves as the office subject matter expert and primary point of contact for the a limited number of specific aid programs. The Financial Aid Counselor works with the Assistant Director or Director on special projects and assignments.
Responsibilities:
- Counsel students and their parents concerning eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private student financial aid programs.
- Interpret and explain financial aid regulations, resolve simple and complex problems, offer information about financial aid options.
- Ensure smooth and meaningful referral to other University offices when appropriate.
- Provide excellent customer service during walk-in visits and appointments and via letter, telephone, and e-mail.
- Exercise pro-active problem solving on broad range of issues to anticipate and minimize problems and concerns for students and their families.
- Represent St. Kate’s and the Financial Aid Office on committees and at various campus events and college fairs. Prepare and deliver financial aid presentations.
- At the direction of the loan manager, determine eligibility for and process and originate requests for federal and private student loans. Other loan related tasks as needed.
- Determine eligibility, award funding, and serve as the office subject matter expert and main point of contact for students and staff for private, state or federal programs with limited student participation, which may include student’s studying abroad, the Minnesota DREAM Act, Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program, NCAA Certifications, and other outside scholarships. Act as the office liaison with external offices and agencies regarding these programs. Coordinate fund distribution with Assistant Directors or Director, Student Accounts, and Counselors.
- Assist with the maintenance and annual updates of financial aid application materials, publications, worksheets, budget sheets and forms. Provide training and assistance to new staff, including counselors, front-desk staff, and student workers as needed.
- Provide front-desk coverage as necessary to ensure telephone and walk-in coverage.
- Assist with document imaging system as needed.
- Maintain knowledge of financial aid programs and regulatory changes to ensure compliance.
- Review and reference Federal Student Aid (FSA) Handbook, FSA Partner Connect, Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) handbook and web site.
- Stay abreast of industry changes by reading NASFAA News and MAFAA listserv messages.
- Attend state and federal workshops and conferences.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000
Employees at St. Kate’s feel a deep connection to the University’s Mission and Vision, and they live their values at work. Benefits available to full-time employees include:
- Fourteen (14) paid holidays and paid “gift” days when the University is closed.
- Free tuition for employees and reduced tuition for their families after one year of service
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 403b retirement plan access
- Accrued sick time
- Paid parental leave after one year of service
Specific information on all of our available benefits for full-time employees can be found HERE.
The salary range listed reflects a good-faith estimate of what we reasonably anticipate to pay for this position, based on market data and internal equity, at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and other relevant factors. St. Catherine reserves the right to modify or adjust compensation depending on University needs.
St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a comprehensive Catholic university and home to one of the nation’s largest colleges for women, with associate and graduate programs for all genders. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1905, the University integrates liberal arts and professional education within the Catholic traditions of intellectual inquiry and social teaching. Committed to excellence and opportunity, St. Catherine enrolls students in certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs in traditional day and evening/weekend/online formats.
Minimum Qualifications
- HS Diploma or GED
- One year of experience working with federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and regulations required
OR
- Two years of experience working in higher education student services
AND
- Desire to provide excellent customer service to St. Catherine community
- Ability and desire to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Experience working as a collaborative team member
- Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and regulations
- Ability to think creatively and analytically to resolve complex problems
- Ability to analyze and interpret data and make independent decisions
- Demonstrated proficiency with computer mainframe and software
- Ability to meet deadlines and process a high volume of work with great accuracy
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using BANNER, FAA Access, COD, and NSLDS
We seek creative, adaptable staff who enjoy working in a university climate that promotes cultural diversity, multicultural understanding, and cultural fluency. Consistent with the university’s commitment to women, diversity and social justice, preference will be given to candidates who manifest these themes in their experience and service.
EEO Statement
St. Catherine University is an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to inclusion reflects the central value of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to “love of neighbor without distinction” and provides a learning and working environment that is enriched by the diversity of all our members. Individuals of religious, racial, ethnic, gender identity, nation of origin, or disability groups that have traditionally had less representation in higher education are encouraged to apply. Should you need an interview accommodation please contact us at hr@stkate.edu or 651-690-6565.
Application instructions for STAFF
Visit St. Kate Careers to apply. Three references and successful completion of a background check will be required for employment.
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace / Tobacco Free Workplace
Our university is a proud member of the Upper Midwest HERC and is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff and assisting dual career couples. For more information and to find other higher education jobs in the Upper Midwest region, visit: www.uppermidwestherc.org.
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace / Tobacco Free Workplace
Our university is a proud member of the Upper Midwest HERC and is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff and assisting dual career couples. For more information and to find other higher education jobs in the Upper Midwest region, visit: www.uppermidwestherc.org.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
20220679-STAFF
Posting Start Date
01/26/2025
Application Deadline
02/17/2025
Salary : $45,000 - $50,000
