Financial Aid Counselor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200215 Financial Aid

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 106 H

Compensation Range:

$21.36 - $29.90

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Reporting to a senior manager, Counselors complete financial aid casework (need analysis, packaging, verification, appeals, and aid changes) and provide financial aid counseling in an environment that is committed to providing exceptional service. Counselors are personally committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of customers and demonstrate skill in resolving difficult customer situations.

Assists in the administration of a program of financial aid to students, including scholarships, loans, grants, etc., for all River Campus; serves as a counselor and advisor in student financial aid.

All members of the Financial Aid Office staff must possess excellent oral communication skills, writing, time management, and organizational abilities that demonstrate proactive problem solving and convey a professional and enthusiastic attitude in a culturally diverse environment. Staff members must also possess demonstrated customer service experience that incorporates a global perspective along with a commitment to issues of diversity and the ability to work in a team setting with all levels of management, faculty, and staff. Staff members are responsible for providing high quality correspondence, informational materials, and program documentation, and maintaining the confidentiality of all information. Additionally, s/he may coordinate other financial aid activities, and/or provide back-up for financial aid colleagues.

As part of the College Enrollment division, additional cross-training in activities within the Financial Aid and Admissions offices also occur. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Counseling

• Participate in meeting the guidance and informational needs of students and families through individual counseling, written correspondence, training sessions and orientation programs.
• Advise prospective and returning students and families as well as graduate students regarding financial aid options, application processing, and other issues related to education finance.
• Engage in pro-active efforts to assist students in the completion of their applications, financial literacy activities, and the financing of their education.
• Respond to inquiries with accurate information and high quality of customer service.
• Serve as “on-call” counselor when necessary. This includes phone, walk-in, and appointment counseling, and front desk coverage.
• Provide financial aid information at campus open houses and prospective student weekends, and at area schools/events.
• Assist in other activities to support the continued improvement of the office's customer service goals.

Application Processing and Award Packaging

• Management of financial aid casework includes need analysis, packaging, verification, appeals, and aid changes for early decision, regular decision, transfer, readmitted, upper-class, summer, and/or graduate students.
• Review and evaluate financial and academic records to determine and recommend whether assistance should be provided, the particular type of aid (i.e., scholarship, loan, grant, job) and the amount of financial assistance. Participate in the annual review of individual financial aid cases to determine continued need for aid and whether the academic record justifies continuing such aid.
• Utilize knowledge of diverse federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, federal and institutional need analysis methodologies, and all grant/scholarship, loan, and work programs administered by
• the University.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing high quality correspondence, informational materials, and program documentation.
• Assist in the administration of a program and provide general support to more senior level financial aid staff as needed.
• Continued growth and development in the field of financial aid, engaging in professional associations through appropriate activities at meetings or conferences at the regional, state, or federal level, as a volunteer, participant, presenter, moderator as needed for the purpose of advancing the goals of the University, determining and implementing best practices, remaining current in the field, and incorporating this knowledge into practice.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1-2 years’ experience in college or university financial aid administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Solid computer experience using word processing, spreadsheet, electronic calendar, and e-mail software applications in addition to experience with Microsoft Office or similar software products required.
• PowerFAIDS experience and an understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, federal need analysis, and institutional methodology preferred.

EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled:

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.