Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor. This role involves educating and assisting prospective students and their families with the financial aid process from application through fund disbursement and providing ongoing counseling for current students. The counselor also communicates financial aid information at various events and serves as the lead communications contact for the financial aid team.

Highlights

Provide daily financial aid counseling and information to current and prospective students and families.
Assist students in exploring payment options for current and past-due bills and resolve outstanding balance issues.
Serve as liaison for the Berks Federal Work-Study Program and other wage programs as applicable.
Deliver education and financial literacy information to campus and community audiences.
Report directly to the Associate Director of Financial Aid and complete assigned tasks from leadership.
Bachelor's degree required with 1+ years (Intermediate) or 3+ years (Advanced) relevant experience; no certifications required.
Bilingual fluency in Spanish preferred.
Position primarily in-person at Penn State Berks with occasional hybrid work flexibility based on workload.
Background checks include PA State Police, Child Abuse Clearance, and Federal FBI Fingerprint.
Salary ranges from $42,100 to $67,300 with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Financial Aid Counselor Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Berks is seeking applications for the position of a Financial Aid Counselor. The primary role of this position is to educate and assist prospective students and their families with the financial aid process from application through the disbursement of funds into their account before they are students and after matriculation to the University. This position provides continued financial aid counseling for all current Penn State Berks students. This position provides support at events where financial aid information is being shared such as high school financial aid nights, First Year Seminar classes, and more. This position is the lead communications person for the financial aid team and reports directly to the Associate Director of Financial Aid.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide daily financial aid functions including counseling and providing information for current and prospective students and families
Work to help students explore ways to pay current and past-due bills. Work proactively and reactively with students to resolve outstanding balance issues
Serve as a liaison for Berks Federal Work-Study Program and any other wage program when applicable
Provide education and financial literacy information to campus and community
Complete other assignments as assigned by the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Director of Enrollment Management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

Bilingual fluent in Spanish is preferred for this position

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Financial Aid Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Financial Aid Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please submit a resume and cover letter
This job is primarily in-person at Penn State Berks, with the occasional flexibility for hybrid work depending on the workload

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $67,300.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Original Job Description