Position Description:

The Financial Aid Counselor will work with the admissions and financial aid staff to provide outstanding service to new and current students. The position reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid. The counselor plays a vital role in helping students and families navigate the complexity of the financial aid process. You could be the first contact person for calls and walk-ins, and you will manage all aspects of finalizing a financial aid offer.

Major Responsibilities:

• Advise students and families about financial aid options and financial planning for a VU education.
• Review financial aid applications, verify information, review special circumstance forms for possible professional judgment adjustments, and respond to office e-mail.
• Calculating financial aid awards and adjusting as necessary.
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Financial Aid presentations on and off campus.
• Must be familiar with the Department of Education rules and regulations governing federal financial aid.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in customer service, especially student services on a college campus, preferred.
• Financial aid experience preferred.
• Bilingual abilities preferred, particularly in Spanish.
• Up to 25% travel.

Other Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Must relate well to people from all circumstances; empathic and patient when working with students and families, demonstrating sensitivity to their unique financial circumstances.
• Basic familiarity with standard software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work individually and in a team.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Mrs. Lindsey Mooneyhan, Associate Director of Financial Aid **
**Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana

Required Skills

Required Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in call center operations and banking preferred
• Customer service and computer skills required
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, in a professional manner when dealing with employees, members, vendors and company contacts
• Competent computer skills
• Ability to follow the core values of honesty, integrity, mutual respect, pride and ownership
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, in a professional manner when dealing with employees, members, vendors and company contacts
• Ability to work well under pressure and constant interruptions

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phone, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This position requires manual dexterity, the ability to lift files and open filing cabinets.
• This position requires sitting, bending, stooping or standing as necessary.

Purdue Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled