Financial Counselor I

Financial Counselor I Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.

Job Code 35211 Recruitment Pool All Applicants Posting Number req5757 Unit Offc of Strategic Enrollment Mngmnt Department Student Financial Management Center Department Website Link https://semss.vcu.edu/ Location VCU Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA Duties & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The primary purpose of the Financial Counselor is to support a seamless, holistic approach, in partnership with academic advisors, to guide and counsel students and parents on academic success plans including options to pay for college, financial aid eligibility, and financing options with persistence to graduation. Financial Counselors play an active role in creating a culture of care as a part of the student's success team by fostering meaningful relationships with students and campus partners to enhance the students' successful university experience.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with students to support their success at VCU and can often have a background in advising, counseling, social work, business, or education. A successful employee will be able to handle multiple assignments and accomplish deadlines, complete work accurately and be detail-oriented, actively listen, research and use problem solving skills to advocate for resolution with the student even when a solution may cross offices.

Training will be provided to new employees, so knowledge of financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, financial aid literacy, billing questions, student accounting payment options, and policies and procedures at the University is not required, but can certainly benefit someone coming into this role. The ability to understand and apply policies and procedures with a passion to support students will lead to success in this role.

Core Responsibilities:

Financial Counseling (25%): Advise and counsel student and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies, and procedures at the university.

• Manage a large caseload of students utilizing a holistic approach to counseling and case management for students (and parents) which includes: affordability, costs of education, financial awareness, campus resources, and payment options.

• Have direct contact with students and parents on an appointment, walk-in basis, over the phone, and other communication platforms.

• Provide information about all student financial aid programs and program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc.

• Discuss confidential financial data and other family circumstances with students and others. Advise about impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs.

• Exercise "professional judgment" in individual student situations. Professional judgement delineates that the financial counselor determines, after reviewing the student's situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outlined in program regulation and that the student should be an "exception to the rule."

• Partner with academic advisors to suggest various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of aid.

• In addition to providing accurate information, explanations of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures, and guidance to the student, the employee must project a sensitive and caring attitude.

• The employee must recognize the impact his/her interaction with the student and/or parent in this situation can have on his/her college career and personal life.

• As part of the position's counseling activities, may contact other university offices to seek advice for the student or serve as an advocate for the student. The position also may contact private lenders, guarantee agencies, state and federal agencies, and the US Department of Education for information or as an advocate for the student.

Program Knowledge (25%): Thoroughly understand and clearly communicate federal, state, and institutional financial aid and student accounting programs, policies, and procedures.

• Utilize Banner student system to navigate through the student's record to find necessary information to assist the student, complete appropriate processes, tracking and notations.

• This position must be knowledgeable of important dates and deadlines each semester to ensure correct information is given.

Financial Aid Outreach and Literacy (25%): Supports and coordinates outreach for programs within the University such as orientation, open houses, workshops and other various outreach requests that include both on and off campus events. This may include some daily or overnight travel.

• Presents financial aid and cost of education information to parent and student groups on and off campus.

• Assists with other projects in the office, Student Financial Services unit, or the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management during peak periods and as assigned.

• Supports planning for module/section(s) of UNIV first time freshman students.

• May represent the Student Financial Services unit at various University functions.

• Promotes the values and mission of VCU to all constituents in a positive and professional manner.

Information and Records Administration (25%): Review applicable documents that pertain to a student's financial aid application and review for completeness and compare it with information already contained on student's financial aid Banner record.

• Understand the Federal and State regulations surrounding Financial Aid to determine if additional information is needed or if the file is complete to determine the award package based on these guidelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Counseling, Student Services, Social Work, or related field or a combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities.

• Quantitative and analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

• Ability to project a positive image of the University and the office at all times.

• Ability to explain complex concepts in clear and concise language.

• Ability to support and attend UNIV courses related to financial aid literacy.

• Be a self-starter with a strong work ethic and personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and sensitivity.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in school or college counseling, financial aid activities, or related field.

• Ability to teach UNIV courses with either the applicable Master's degree or at least 18 graduate hours completed.

• Bilingual ability specifically with Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin Chinese.

Other Position Details: This position requires some evening and weekend hours as well as light travel.

Position Number: 000200, 537870, 557840

Position Title: Financial Counselor I

Department: 1906 SFMC

Role Code: 35211 Student Advisor SS 1

Position Type: Non-exempt

Salary: $40,000

ORP Eligible?: No

Open Date: 6/25/2024

Close Date: 7/9/2024 at 7PM

FLSA University Employee Job FTE 100% Exemption Status Non-Exempt Restricted Position No E-Class UF - University Employee FT Job Category University Employee ORP Eligible No Salary Range $40,000 Compensation Type Salaried Target Hire Date 8/5/2024 Contact Information for Candidates

Documents Needed to Apply