Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor Posting Number S00525 Position Type Full Time Hours/Schedule Standard Utica University business hours: 8:30am -5:00pm. Hours may vary based on operational needs. Campus Main Campus, Utica NY Date Position Available 10/01/2024 Posted Salary $22 per hour FLSA Status Non - Exempt Benefits Eligible Yes If yes, please select: All Benefits Position Summary Information Position Summary The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling new and returning students on financing their education. January 1, 2023- Utica University will start a flexwork program designed to give employees a greater work life balance. This flexwork program is an alternative to the standard 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, work schedule. While employees’ salaries, vacation and sick time are based on a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule, employees work an abbreviated 32-hour work week, with the flexibility of working either a four-day week or five abbreviated days. Supervisors will work with employees on scheduling to ensure the needs of the department are met. Location Utica, NY Application Deadline Full consideration by : Open Until Filled Yes Major Responsibilities • Counsels students and families regarding all aspects of financial aid and payment options through various communication means such as in person, by telephone, by email, etc. • Reviews appeals and special circumstances according to office guidelines and makes recommendations on future action towards the student account and/or revisions of awards. • Assists students with navigating various websites including the Financial Aid Portal for verification and other aid requirements, Bannerweb as they apply for loans, sign up for payment plans or complete entrance or exit interviews, etc. • Participates in state, regional and national professional development activities to ensure a complete understanding of federal and state regulations and remain current on changes to the federal and state aid programs. • Must utilize conflict resolution skill set as needed to help students and parents understand the situation and identify potential solutions to issues. • Collaborates to foster good relationships with colleagues from other areas of the university including but not limited to: Admissions, Enrollment Management, Academic Support, Faculty, Business Office, Registrar’s, etc. • Maintains student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations. • Insures compliance of state and federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to financial aid. • Monitors financial aid discrepancies using reports from Banner. • Reviews requests for individual student Cost of Attendance increases and requests to move off campus. • May be required to attend various University events such as Open Houses and Move-in weekends. • May serve as front desk receptionist as required. • Other duties as assigned by the financial aid director. Driving Responsibilities Not Required Travel Occasional conference and professional development opportunities may be available. Supervises Education & Experience Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required but consideration will be given for education and considerable experience in a similar setting. Minimum Skills/Abilities Preferred knowledge of Banner Ellucian and Argos. Preferred knowledge of Hobson’s Radius, EAB Navigate, and other enrollment management systems. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. Working knowledge of Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Access is required. Excellent organizational skills, judgment and the ability to be confidential required. Ability to work evenings, weekends as well travel out of town when necessary. Applicant Documents Instructions All positions at Utica University support the University’s mission and values in part by being active members of an inclusive environment. Please describe in your diversity statement how you would see yourself incorporating this into this role. In line with the University’s Affirmative Action Policy, there is no requirement or expectation that a candidate disclose their identity or membership in any protected class or group, either in the diversity statement or in other application documents submitted to the search committee. For additional information on what to provide in your diversity statement please reference the diversity statement guide at the following link: https://www.utica.edu/hr/media/Diversity_Statement_Guide.pdf Additional information Visa sponsorship is not available for this position EEO/AA Statement Utica University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, age, domestic violence victim status, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community Our community of students, faculty and staff reflect a diversity of experiences, opinions, and cultural backgrounds shaped by biology, society, history, and choice. Our community includes members who are diverse by virtue of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious and/or spiritual affiliations, and socio-economic status, as well as the number of other ways in which who we are influences how we see the world. Furthermore, we value and celebrate diversity, and this results in a commitment to multiculturalism. We believe that within the community of human persons, all cultures, perspectives, and beliefs about faith, ideals, taste and lifestyles are of equal value. Our diversity deepens our commitment to nurture a multicultural environment in which we engage with others and blend perspectives, to learn about diverse cultures, to explore who we are and where we come from and to accept one another without prejudice. The Utica University Mission and Values Statement includes a commitment to fostering diversity in perspective, background, and experience within an environment that is dedicated to the freedom of expression and the open sharing of ideas. Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Located in the heart of central New York, Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 to offer options for college study to veterans returning from the second world war. More than seventy years since veterans returned from WWII , this tradition of serving veterans is still held in high regard here at Utica, and we are proud to welcome veterans as students and as valued members of our faculty and professional staff. Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). How did you hear about this employment opportunity? HercJobs.org (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium) HigherEdJobs.com InsideHigherEd.com Observer Dispatch (Utica OD)-newspaper Ithaca Journal Personal Referral Utica University Website Albany Times Union Binghamton Press & Sun careerbuilders.com centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com Chronicle.com (Chronicle of Higher Ed website) Elmira Star Gazette Utica University Online Employment Website DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education Historically Black Colleges and Universities Indeed.com Current Utica University Employee Referred by a Utica University Employee Referred by a non Utica University Employee Twitter LinkedIn-Job Posting LinkedIn-Recruited by Utica University HR Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com Syracuse Post Standard-newspaper Albany Times Union-newspaper Facebook Job Fair Search Firm NCAA PRISM Network HBCU Connect DiverseJobs Other Please provide more details regarding the source of your referral? (Open Ended Question) Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume / Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter "Contributions to Diversity" Statement Three Professional References with Contact Information Optional Documents Letter of Reference #1