Financial Aid Counselor

The University of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts university located in Leavenworth, Kansas, just 25 minutes away from Kansas City. For over 100 years, the University of Saint Mary has helped students find their way to meaningful lives and careers through an education that blends the liberal arts and a focus on critical thinking with the development of key professional skills. USM serves about 1,400 students at its main campus in Leavenworth, including its satellite locations in Overland Park and Lansing Correctional Facility, as well as online.

Position Summary

Provides student financial aid advising and analysis in accordance with institutional, state and federal aid programs. Assists in administration of institutional, state and federal aid programs.

Essential Functions

• Customer Service-Office of Financial Aid point of contact for prospective/new and returning students, and their parents. Provides financial aid counseling, financial aid information, financial aid resources, triages student and parent questions- refers to appropriate USM departments.
• Customer Service- Office of Financial Aid point of contact for Admissions, Business Office, Registrar’s Office, Athletic Coaches, Faculty & Staff concerning all matters relating new/prospective & returning students and in relation to Title IV, Institutional Scholarships, Campus-Based Aid, and possible external scholarship leads.
• Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) review-of all FAFSA Applications (approximately 2,500 applications per annual award year).
• Financial Aid Packaging-for all prospective/new and returning students accepted to USM, and who have completed all necessary additional documentation as requested by the Department of Education (DOE). (approximately 800-1,000 FA packages completed per annual award year).
• Clearing - Each term (FA/SP/SU), regular/at least weekly monitors and updates the Clearing Report with progress notes and assists students in finalizing their financial aid. Regularly coordinates and collaborates with the Business Office to provide information on student financial aid status and responds to forwarded emails to answer student and parent questions concerning financial aid status and provides information and support as applicable.
• Processes and adds Tuition Remission Benefits to students Financial Aid Package and adjusts other financial aid as needed to ensure that need-based aid is awarded correctly and that estimated financial aid does not exceed the cost of attendance budget.
• Processes and adds Outside Scholarships to students Financial Aid Package and adjusts other financial aid as needed to ensure that need-based aid is awarded correctly and that estimated financial aid does not exceed the cost of attendance budget. Notifies student via email that the scholarship has been received and if any existing financial aid has been adjusted as a result of receiving the outside scholarship. Copies the Business Office on email to student.
• Supports the Financial Aid Office at New Student Registration Days and Student Move-In Day events. At least two Saturdays are required.
• Acts as Financial Aid Office representative at USM/OPC Campus information sessions & orientation events. These are typically after business hours events that are either virtual or in-person.
• Advises prospective/current student(s) and/or parent(s) about federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
• Counsels the student(s) and parent(s) to ensure compliance with the academic progress policy for institutional, state and federal financial aid programs.
• Assists student(s) and parent(s) in completing all forms related to their student financial aid application.
• Reviews and processes financial aid applications.
• Responsible for generating financial aid packages as appropriate.
• Responsible for staying current with all federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations
• Prepares and conducts financial aid presentations as appropriate.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality as required and necessary (e.g., FERPA, FAFSA).
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1-2 years related experience.
• Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills using tact and patience in a diverse environment.
• Detail oriented, proven ability to work in a fast pace environment and effectively manage interruptions.
• Proven success with prioritizing work and projects.
• Proficient in MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Jenzabar EX and/or PowerFaids experience preferred.
  
  

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three current professional references.

8am-4:30pm infrequent evenings and weekend days required.