Financial Aid Counselor I

The Financial Counselor I assists in the administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid for undergraduate, graduate and non-degree seeking students and must be familiar with Temple University, federal and state financial aid regulations and procedures. They must be able to effectively communicate and counsel enrolled and prospective students and their families and assist in making the overall service experience as seamless as possible.  The Financial Counselor I will process financial aid including file review, needs analysis, financial aid packaging and federal verification. He/she will adhere to all appropriate processing policies and procedures as well as perform the data entry function necessary to support the financial aid programs.  The objective of the position is to assist the Student Financial Services (SFS) office in its support of Temple University’s effort to attract and maintain qualified students through timely and effective distribution of financial aid.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills & Abilities:
* Demonstrated passion and commitment to customer satisfaction and ability to consistently provide pleasant, patient and friendly service to a high volume of customers.
* Ability to handle complaints and unpleasant customers in a cordial and proficient manner.
* Ability to provide counseling to students concerning the financial aid programs provided through the Student Financial Services office.  (Federal Direct Loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins, FSEOG, work study, PHEAA state grant and institutional aid programs)
* Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with students via e-mail providing information and responding to requests.
* Strong analytical skills and ability to explain mathematical processes as they relate to the financial aid process.
* Effective interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population in person and on the phone.
* Ability to work independently with limited supervision and remain focused in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks and interact with students and parents in stressful situations while maintaining accuracy and a highly processional demeanor.
* Ability to exercise professional judgment in individual cases regarding cost of education, family contribution, and dependency status.  
* Ability to interpret and adhere to federal regulations and institutional guidelines and policies specific to counseling and processing financial aid. The effects of errors in judgment can be detrimental to students and damage the reputation of the University.
* Ability to advise students and their parents regarding financial aid funds and its impact on their student accounts and payment processes.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality of private, personal information provided by students and their families
* Demonstrated experience delivering accurate and courteous service in a fast-paced and demanding environment.                                                             
Preferred:
* Prior experience processing and reviewing student accounts using the following: Banner ERP system, Common Origination & Disbursement Website (COD), FAA Access to CPS online website and National Student Loan Data System website.  
* Prior experience with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants, policies and website.

This position requires a background check.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with the City of Philadelphia’s mandate, all Temple University students, faculty, staff and contractors must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by November 15, 2021, unless they have a medical or religious exemption approved by the university.  An individual is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks or more following the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks or more following a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals who do not meet the University’s vaccination or exception requirement by November 15, 2021 will be prohibited from working until proof of vaccination or an exception is provided.  For more information visit the university's Vaccines web page at https://www.temple.edu/coronavirus/vaccines. 

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

To obtain additional information about Temple University please visit our website at www.temple.edu.  

Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety and can be found at: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report

You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.