Student Finance Counselor 2

Student Finance Counselor 2

The Student Finance Counselor 2 (SFC2) primary responsibilities are to daily monitor the MN North Star Promise program, adjusting related funds and other aid accordingly. This 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 formulas related to FAFSA calculations.

The SFC2 meets with students and families to discuss financial aid options and makes adjustments to their cost of attendance and/or aid package based on the outcome of professional judgement appeals. They must accurately compare and correct FAFSA application data based on submitted documentation in accordance with federal, State, and University regulations to meet compliance requirements. 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.

Academic Support Resources supports hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Work arrangements are determined in coordination with supervisors depending on the nature of the unit and position. The arrangement for this position will be determined upon hire between employee and supervisor.

Essential Functions
North Star Promise (NSP) 35%

• Monitor day to day student accounts and aid changes that impact NSP awards.
• Run multiple daily queries and assess if changes need to be made to NSP and/or other aid.
• Assist in packaging and repackaging reviews of NSP amounts before financial aid notices go out and/or disbursements take place.
• Review and answer cases from One Stop with NSP specific questions.
• Monitor state reports, resolve any rejected records, review warnings.
• Assist with monthly, annual reconciliation and closeout of the program.
• Maintain procedure and process documentation.
• Consult with the Office of Higher Education regarding complicated situations and/or questions.
• Stay up to date with changes in the program year to year.
• Monitor and address training needs to maintain team efficiency across departments.

Packaging and award adjustments 20%

• Award and revise financial aid packages.
• Provide assistance to OSF units to meet priority processes and project deadlines.
• Use, understand, and apply Federal, state, and University packaging policies when awarding aid.
• Employ budget adjustment policies and procedures as it applies to aid revisions.
• Analyze and manage a large volume of records quickly and accurately.
• Understand and utilize financial aid professional judgment to recalculate student eligibility for financial aid based on current enrollment.

Perform situational analysis while responding to written inquiries/requests (Salesforce) 15%

• Analyze situations in the context of a high volume of complex and critical correspondence in the Undergraduate Salesforce email queue to determine a course of action that may require professional judgment.
• Identify trends that have potential system-wide impact.
• Communicate with students, parents, and One Stop via phone and email to resolve financial aid related issues and adjust financial aid awards.
• Contact appropriate parties for further information when needed.
• Write clear, concise, email correspondence while being sensitive to people of all ages and those with diverse backgrounds.
• Adjust financial aid records and awards as needed.

Non-standard Financial Aid Situations 10%

• Determine if a student falls into a prior degree classification and correct FAFSA discrepancies and adjust aid accordingly.
• Review discrepancies in the academic program plan and prior degree reporting between student records and the FAFSA data.
• Advise students on eligibility requirements in any of these areas.

Professional Judgement Appeals 10%

• Evaluate appeals and invoke professional judgment to determine if exceptions can be made in reevaluating a student's financial aid record.
• Use professional judgment and individual discretion in both simple and complex issues throughout the entire appeal process.Consult appeal committee lead when necessary.
• Analyze and manage a large volume of records quickly and accurately.
• Thoroughly investigate appeals as well as supporting documentation to make decisions; contact appropriate parties for further information when needed.
• Accurately counsel students on impact to their record based on the type of appeal submitted.
• 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.
• 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.

Attends and participates in meetings and OSF committee work as assigned: (5%)

• Regularly attends scheduled meetings.
• Participates in unit and OSF committee activities.
• Updates unit colleagues with regard to new knowledge; initiates and distributes 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.
• Provides input in a positive manner.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and two years of progressively responsible experience in counseling, financial aid, and/or student services. An equivalent combination of relevant education and related professional work experience totaling six years may be substituted in place of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven effective communication skills with a variety of audiences (individual and large group), strong customer service focus, time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of University, state, and federal financial aid regulations and procedures.
• Technology experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Google/Microsoft suite (specifically spreadsheets), and CRM platforms.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.

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 initial components of the student finance lifecycle for all University of Minnesota students. OSF calculates financial aid eligibility and manages the awarding, origination, disbursement, recalculation, and return of financial aid. This compliance-forward unit also manages the student finance portion of internal and external audits and partners closely with other Academic Support Resources (ASR) units with billing, accounts receivable, and loan/account collections work.

Pay Range: $24.04 - $26.44 per hour, ($50,000 - $55,000) annually, 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).