Student Financial Services Counselor
Alvernia University

About Alvernia University Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country. Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage. Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education. 

Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics.  As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.Maintain strict confidentiality of all activities in the Office of Student Financial ServicesProvide excellent customer service and support to the Student Financial Services Office Assure consistent application of office policy & procedure Financial Aid Counseling of prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid optionsResponsible for resolving routine student account, financial aid, and academic questions & concernsRepresent the University on and off campus at recruitment events, financial aid information sessions, open house events, accepted student’s day, connection day, etcParticipate in professional development opportunities and professional organizations on the regional, state, and national levels including:  PHEAA, PASFAA, NASFAA, PowerFaids, etcPosition requires some work nights, weekend, extended work hours, and travel to off-site locations

 Additional Responsibilities:

First point of contact for incoming student inquiry including walk-ins, emails, and phone callsProvide a high level of financial aid counseling including incorporation of Best Practices in SFS Counseling and providing holistic financial aid planning students’ full college careers for traditional day and grad and adult undergraduate student populations Use an integrated approach for student aid issues including working closely with staff from Student Services offices including Student Accounts, Registrar, Navigation, S.O.L.A.R, Residence Life, Admissions, GAE, and Holleran Center Respond to all student inquiries from walk-ins, emails, phone, or Teams within a 24-48 hour time frameCommunication follow up from SFS team members such as missing documents, verification, and processing issuesAssist with packaging traditional day and GAE new & returning freshman and transfer studentsAssist with PHEAA processing Presentations for internal/external populations 

Qualifications/Education:

Commitment to the mission statement, core values and goals of Alvernia University.Bachelor’s degree requiredBasic knowledge of federal and state regulations as well as entry-level experience in awarding and processing federal, state, and institutional aid, at least 2 years financial aid counseling experience preferredMust provide exceptional customer service, specifically related to the mission of the universityExperience with PowerFaids, Power Campus, NSLDS, COD, PHEAA preferredDemonstrate strong interpersonal and customer service skills across varied audiences such as students, families, staff, alumni, and the communityAbility to manage multiple projects with time-sensitive deadlines, working as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision, and additional hours as neededAbility to diffuse difficult or emotional situations with students and/or familiesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsKnowledge of Microsoft Office products, including outlook, word, excel and SharePoint

 Physical Requirements:

Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.