Financial Aid Counselor, International - University of Rochester

POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Sr. Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor, International collects and analyzes financial data on students/families to 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. Serves as an advisor in student aid matters; committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of customers, demonstrates skill in resolving difficult customer situations. The position also serves as the financial aid counselor to international undergraduate students in The College and acts as a resource for the office, using independent analysis and reasoning, initiative, and judgment to anticipate problems, evaluate situations, and recommend improvements. In addition, this position serves as the liaison to the Study Abroad Office and has responsibility for maintaining student records with related study abroad data and training of financial aid staff on making study abroad awarding adjustments. The Counselor must maintain current working knowledge of all related regulations and guidance in order to develop necessary procedures and training to ensure effective and efficient operation of the assigned aid programs. 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, cross-training in activities within the Financial Aid and Admissions offices also occur. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required, especially during the spring awarding/recruiting season. **SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES** Under general direction, within policy guidelines and with considerable latitude for exercise of independent judgment: **Counseling (40%)** + Advises prospective and returning students and families as well as graduate students regarding financial aid options, application processing, and other issues related to education finance for all international students. + Interviews students and families and participates in pro-active efforts to assist students in understanding the steps necessary to finance their education. + Responds to student and families inquiries with concise and accurate information and high quality of customer service. **Application Processing and Award Packaging (40%)** + Reviews and evaluates financial and enrollment status to determine and recommend whether or not assistance should be provided, the particular type of aid (i.e., scholarship, loan, grant, FWS) and the amount of financial assistance. + Participates in the annual review of satisfactory academic progress and subsequent eligibility for financial aid. + Requires 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. + Management of financial aid casework includes need analysis, packaging, verification, appeals, and aid changes for early decision, regular decision, transfer, readmitted, upperclass, summer, graduate students and/or non-traditional undergraduates. + Process Secondary Citizenship Confirmations as needed to satisfactorily resolve citizenship issues. **General Responsibilities (20%)** + Represent the Financial Aid Office as the liaison to the Study Abroad Office, assist in the administration of the study abroad program and provide general support to the financial aid staff as needed. + On a rotating basis with other FACI’s, provides Front Desk coverage to assist with answering questions, scheduling appointments, answering telephone calls, and tracking activity for scheduled and walk-in visitors. + Assists in activities that support the office's customer engagement goals and any other activity related to the core responsibility of the assigned team (e.g. Communications, Systems and File Review, Fund Management, or Customer Engagement). + Responsible to provide financial aid information at campus open houses, prospective student weekends, and at area schools. Responsive to inquiries on financial matters relating to the aid program and for providing high quality correspondence, informational materials, and program documentation as necessary. + 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. **REQUIREMENTS** Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years’ experience in college or university financial aid administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 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. 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. **How To Apply** **COVER LETTER MUST BE PAGE ONE OF RESUME** All applicants must apply online. Please include a cover letter as page one of resume. _EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled_ **Pay Range** Pay Range: $ 20.38 - $ 28.56 Hourly _The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._ Apply for Job + Careers + Sign In + New User **Location:** The College **Full/Part Time:** Full-Time **Opening:** **Schedule:**