Financial Aid Counselor/Assistant Director

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About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

  • Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
  • Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
  • 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
  • Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
  • Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount
  • Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten

Position Summary

Responsible for verifying eligibility and awarding financial aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. The employee will collect, examine, and verify additional FAFSA-required documents when necessary. The employee will counsel students and families in matters of financial aid eligibility.   They will be responsible for executing and analyzing various queries/reports and websites as they relate to student data management and financial aid eligibility.  This position is expected to master financial aid technology and tools after effective training.

The employee must commit to the mission, goals, and objectives of Holy Family University.

Essential Functions

Job duties that must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This job description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.

  • Evaluates, verifies, packages, revises, and processes financial aid in compliance with all Title IV, state and institutional guidelines for their set population of students
  • Greets, advises and counsels current and prospective students, families, and others regarding financial aid questions and timelines in person, over the phone, and through email
  • Responsible for being on-call on their assigned day of the counselor of the day rotation
  • Cross-trained to assist all students within any division
  • Develops and maintains strong working knowledge of all aspects of verification, including federal requirements and tax return analysis
  • Works with University Advancement on maintaining, updating, and processing Excel and SSRS reports utilized during the Holy Family Named Scholarship application process
  • Processes all late drops, withdrawals and SAP warning letters when applicable
  • Assists and executes processes used to generate correspondence utilizing Colleague’s communication management
  • Seeks out and takes advantage of training opportunities related to financial aid particularly regarding federal and state processing
  • Relies on training and various resources available to think critically and make decisions independently
  • Assists with the data entry of incoming documents, analyzing to ensure accuracy, and maintaining and executing processes used to generate correspondence utilizing Colleague Communication Management and university managed document imaging software
  • Develops and maintains strong working knowledge of all sources of student financial aid (federal, state, institutional, other)
  • Assists in creating and maintaining all electronic processes used to facilitate financial aid processing
  • Ability to access and interpret information from financial aid related web sources (COD, NSLDS, FPS, GrantUs)
  • Processes queries and reports from Colleague, SSRS, and ELM
  • Understands PA State Grant program requirements as well as all other PA program requirements
  • Collaborates with other offices (Student Accounts, Admissions, Registrar, etc.) to best serve the needs of the students
  • Participates and facilitates financial aid presentations during Open Houses, orientations, and other University related activities. Presence at a Financial Aid table for various university events
  • Assists the Director and Associate Directors in establishing clear and efficient time tables and procedures necessary for the office staff to ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations
  • Utilize Admissions CRM for financial aid specific data and notations

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed.  Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public.  Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations and guidelines. 

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; for the Financial Aid Counselor, in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, at least one year of financial aid experience required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Computer literacy required, with an advanced knowledge of MS Word and Excel in a Windows environment, including proficiency with Excel (reporting and queries) and client-server system (Colleague preferred). Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are required, as are attention to detail, planning and multi-tasking skills and self-motivation; proven ability to work as a team player and sensitivity to matters of confidentiality are also required.   Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community. 

Work Environment

Operates in an office environment that may have frequent interruptions.  The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards.  Noise level is generally quiet to moderate. The Financial Aid area is a fast-paced environment, as well as an office that is one of the “faces” of the institution. As such, the office should have a warm and welcoming environment. Members of the Enrollment Management team should be committed to serving students, dedicated to their success from admissions through graduation and to the overall Mission and Core Values of the university.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer.  Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Other Important Information

Ability to travel, work outside of normal business hours, such as weekends, nights, etc. Should teleworking become necessary, employee must be willing and able to perform all parts of this job description while working from home, on campus or a combination, and be proficient or willing to become proficient in the technology needed to work remotely. Employee must have the ability to work nights and weekends, as needed.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

Find more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination.

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center by submitting a cover letter and resume.