Position Description:

The Financial Aid Counselor will collaborate with the admissions and financial aid staff to deliver exceptional 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 primary point of contact for calls and walk-ins, and you will oversee 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.

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

A High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Qualified candidates will have 3-5 years of experience or a technical degree and 1 year of experience. Basic PLC/CNC knowledge is a plus. The ability to read to read tape measures and efficiently operate all other required measuring devices is also required. Candidates best suited for this role will have a proven ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Basic ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is required for safety purposes.