Student Finance Counselor 2

The Student Finance Counselor 2 (SFC2) position advises, investigates, problem-solves, and resolves financial aid related questions and issues from current and previous students, parents, faculty, staff, collegiate units, other third parties, and the public. They explain financial aid eligibility and disbursement of aid, as well as cost of attendance figures, differences and benefits of various aid types and estimated family contribution formulas.

The SFC2 meets with students and families to discuss financial aid options for studying abroad and adjust their cost of attendance (COA) and aid packages. They must accurately compare and correct application data based on submitted tax documents and asset information in accordance with federal, State, and University regulations to meet compliance requirements. The SFC2 exercises professional judgment when reviewing and analyzing student information and as a member of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Special Circumstances
Appeal committees. This position will process, certify, and award Private Loans, communicating with lenders as needed. A significant amount of packaging and aid adjustments are required of this position to adhere to University, State and Federal policies. This position will provide substantial support and counseling via email, in-person contact, Zoom, and telephone to the general population of students, parents, and the University community on various financial aid issues.

Financial Aid Counseling and Advising with an Emphasis on Off-campus Study and Professional Judgement Topics (30%)

• Counsel students on a variety of issues to include eligibility for aid, loan options, in-depth program-specific questions.
• Provide start-to-finish student service using professional judgment and individual discretion in both simple and complex financial aid issues with minimal supervisory guidance.
• Offer proactive and on-the-spot, independent diagnostic support and problem resolution on a broad range of areas and issues.
• Keep abreast of University, departmental, federal, and state regulations. Exercise authority to implement changes and make exceptions to student records.
• Serve as an expert resource to colleagues on issues related to areas of responsibility.
• Remain current on and implement business processes and regulations that govern this area of responsibility.
• Review and determine the outcome of appeals.
• Adjust budgets and aid according to change in record and eligibility and document changes.
• Annually update procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Continually look for ways to improve service to students.

Off-Campus Study Programs (30%)

• Meet with students in person or via Zoom to discuss funding for off-campus study programs such as Learning Abroad or National Student Exchange (NSE).
• Present financial aid information about off-campus study for staff, at scholarship workshops for students, college/department meetings, and for other populations as requested.
• Adjust student COA for study abroad programs and revise financial aid packages as required by institutional, state, and federal policies.
• Review and complete scholarship applications as needed.
• Communicate with the Financial Aid Study Abroad Coordinator on any potential issues related to a student's study abroad aid package or student account.
• Serve as a contact and resource for students abroad who need assistance resolving aid issues.

Professional Judgement Appeal processing (25%)

• Processes appeals, using professional judgment to adjust FAFSA data and repackage students for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Special Circumstance, and Cost of Attendance Appeals.
• Provide start-to-finish service using professional judgment and individual discretion in both simple and complex issues involving minimal supervisory guidance.
• Accurately counsel students on impact to their record based on the type of appeal submitted.
• Thoroughly investigate appeals as well as supporting documentation to make decisions; contact appropriate parties for further information when needed.
• Understand and utilize financial aid professional judgment guidelines to recalculate student eligibility for financial aid; award additional aid according to all state, federal, and University regulations.
• Analyze and manage a large volume of records quickly and accurately.
• Communicate results of appeal to students and parents in a professional manner.

Private Loan Certification (5%)

• Accurately process, award, and certify private loans.
• Navigate varied situations that require significant analysis and interpretation to determine aid eligibility.
• Work as an intermediary between students, One Stop, and private lenders.
• Utilize professional judgment to determine if students are eligible for funding in special circumstances such as one-term loans or non-degree students.
• Maintain working knowledge of outside lender software.
• Remain current on lender-specific program rules and regulations.
• Return, cancel, or adjust private loan amounts upon student request or because of aid changes.

SAR Comment Codes (5%)

• Run queries to identify records with SAR comment codes, for example Unusual Enrollment History.
• Review and request documentation to verify student aid eligibility.
• Start to finish information requests, PeopleSoft updates, and communication to students

Attend and participate in meetings and OSF committee work as assigned: (5%)

• Attend regularly-scheduled meetings.
• Participate in unit, OSF, and ASR committee activities.
• Update unit colleagues with regard to new knowledge; initiate and distribute information to colleagues that may affect and enhance their work.
• Implement new information into job functions where appropriate.
• Identify and attend training sessions needed to ensure knowledgeable and accurate job performance.
• Provide input in a positive manner.
• Listen actively to others.
• Work promptly and attentively.
• Work effectively as a team member

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in a related field and a minimum of two years related work experience in counseling, financial aid, or area working with students. An equivalent combination of relevant education and related professional work experience totaling six years may be substituted in place of a degree.
• Effective communication, customer service, and time management skills.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets (MS Excel), word processing (MS Word), and internet browsers.
• Strong interpersonal and effective verbal and written communication skills as they pertain to customer service within and outside of the University.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of University, state, and federal financial aid regulations and familiarity with University of Minnesota policies and procedures.
• Financial aid experience, orientation to detail, and the ability to handle high volume processing while adapting to changing priorities.
• Experience with financial aid packaging and cost of attendance/budget adjustments.
• Understanding and experience with PeopleSoft Student Financial processing, and the Federal Needs Analysis formula.
• Experience with Google Suite (GMail, Drive, Docs, etc.), Perceptive Content, and CRM platforms (Salesforce).
• Working experience in a higher education setting and additional financial aid knowledge.

The mission of Academic Support Resources (ASR) is to make a positive difference in students' lives. This mission includes the entire UMN system, of which ASR provides significant support to each campus and values their collaboration to improve the student experience. ASR is committed to cultivating and sustaining an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are better able to serve and represent our University community by ensuring we value differences and individuality. The knowledge, skills, and abilities of all ASR employees include job knowledge, communication, problem solving/analysis, development, leadership, teamwork, and customer service. The Office of Student Finance (OSF) manages the entire lifecycle of student finances for all University of Minnesota students. OSF calculates financial aid eligibility and manages the awarding, origination, and disbursement of financial aid as well as billing, accounts receivable, student loan entrance and exit interviews, and loan and account collections. ASR supports the University's Work. With Flexibility. principles with a hybrid model of remote and in-person work.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $55,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).