Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor is part of a team that supports Syracuse University's effort to attract and retain qualified students by advising a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on matters pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor is responsible for a population of approximately 2,000 students. Counselors assist students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies and payment options, and academic progress.

They work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each student they advise. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment as appropriate to adjust calculations. Counselors represent the office at both on and off campus events throughout the year.

Education and Experience

* Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and related experience.

* Two (2) plus years of Customer service, Counseling, Financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.

Skills and Knowledge

* Knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering federal Title IV, state and University financial aid programs to ensure compliance.

* Excellent communication and counseling skills as well as the ability to use professionalism, tact, discretion, and compassion in advising. Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals.

* Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for students and staff. This includes but is not limited to: fostering an office environment that allows students and staff of different backgrounds and identities to feel safe, accepted, and understood; helping students with financial aid and financial literacy education to overcome barriers to college attainment; and helping develop and further initiatives in this area.

* Experience with People Soft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.

* Availability for overtime during peak award season.

Responsibilities

* Counsel students and parents, both prospective and currently enrolled, on all aspects of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional programs via in person or virtual appointments, phone appointments, and email communications, all of which are very heavy during the admission and returning award seasons. Each counselor has a population of approximately 2,000 students receiving some type of financial aid and provides advisement to that population using principles that are sensitive to the challenges of students in their assigned cohort while adhering to the ever-changing U.S. Department of Education and University policies and procedures.

Each counselor also monitors the aid eligibility of their student population weekly and adjusts aid as necessary throughout the year. Counselors also participate in multiple community outreach programs as well as on campus Admissions programs during the Fall and Spring semesters.

* Review and respond to a high volume of student/parent appeals for additional scholarship and need-based funding. Perform in-depth analysis of students' current financial situation in comparison with the situation presented on their financial aid applications and use professional judgment to adjust applications to more accurately reflect students' present day special circumstances. Professional decision-making skills and discretion used to award approximately 80% of appeal funding on an individual basis with more complex appeal recommendations (approximately 20%) presented to committee and supervisor for approval.

* Perform institutional needs analysis review for approximately 150 applicants/current students to calculate an institutional expected family contribution. Balance the stewardship of institutional, state and federal aid funds with the needs of the family, as well as the goals of the university, while carefully analyzing each family's situation.

* Using the verified/reviewed applications as a starting point, perform further research/analysis on the additional data fields provided on the CSS Profile and on supporting documentation submitted by the family.

* Utilize knowledge of the University's needs analysis calculation, established needs analysis guidelines, experience, and professional judgement to evaluate whether the calculation is reflective of the family's ability to contribute, and adjust eligibility calculations as appropriate.

* Present, as well as participate in, a variety of professional development opportunities including webinars,…