The Financial Aid Counselor is a motivated and detail-oriented professional responsible for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and institutional student aid programs, regulations, and procedures. This individual works closely with students, families, faculty, and staff in a collaborative and diverse environment, providing high-quality counseling and support throughout the financial aid process.
The Counselor supports systems and operational functions within the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS), including data integration, scheduled event maintenance in Power FAIDS, and assisting with system oversight. They collaborate with the Associate Director and SFS staff to counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, verification, need analysis, and financing options. The role also regularly partners with departments such as Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate and Adult Education, Residence Life, and Student Activities. Strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and polished communication abilities are essential, along with occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments.
Essential Functions:
Mission, Culture & Leadership
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Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
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Cultivate a [student-/client-/employee]culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
Student Support & Customer Service
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Maintain strict confidentiality of all SFS activities and student records.
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Deliver high-quality customer service to students, families, and campus partners.
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Provide financial aid counseling to prospective and current students/families, including guidance on aid programs, verification, award packages, and financing options.
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Respond promptly to student inquiries (phone, email, walk-ins, virtual) within a 24–48 hour timeframe.
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Assist students and families with general financial aid, student account, and academic-related questions.
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Monitor the financial aid/student balance hold list each semester.
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Support communications related to missing documents, verification items, and processing follow-up.
Counseling & Campus Collaboration
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Use a holistic, best-practice–based counseling approach to support traditional, graduate, and adult learners throughout their educational journey.
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Collaborate closely with key student service offices including Student Accounts, Registrar, Admissions, Residence Life, Navigation, S.O.L.A.R., GAE, and the Holleran Center to resolve student issues and ensure coordinated support.
Operations & Compliance
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Assist the Associate Director with importing and exporting all financial aid files through ED Connect, including ISIRs, corrections, COD origination/disbursement files, and reject resolution.
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Oversee federal aid program compliance related to aggregate loan limits, Pell LEU, UEH reviews, and student notifications.
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Assist with creating and maintaining custom and standard reports, selection sets, and other Power FAIDS functions to enhance processing efficiency.
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Support monthly and annual federal and state aid reconciliation processes to ensure regulatory compliance.
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Assist with system oversight, including data integration and maintaining scheduled Power FAIDS events (anticipated aid, disbursement, etc.).
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Manage student employment program eligibility and coordinate with Human Resources on student worker and graduate assistant hiring and employment documentation.
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Work with HR and the Business Office to maximize federal, state, and institutional work-study funding and maintain student employment data in Power FAIDS and COD.
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Assist with completion of annual reports and internal reporting needs.
Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation
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Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
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Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
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Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
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Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.
Specialized Focus
Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:
