Financial Aid Counselor

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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Abington is seeking applicants for the position of Financial Aid Counselor. This position primarily provides personal and financial aid application counseling to students and families, assists in the administration of the financial aid program, and makes decisions to award funds to students eligible for scholarships, grants, and college work-study. The Financial Aid Counselor is also responsible for auditing and reconciling financial aid accounts and packaging financial aid awards and the dissemination of information for student financial assistance through face to face, email, and phone counseling.

Job Responsibilities :

Advise and counsel students and parents regarding the financial aid process

Provide in-take services, taking student / parent phone calls, responding to email, assisting visitors within the office

Analyze and evaluates student financial needs, and advises on availability of financial assistance

Monitor and coordinate the processing of verification and certification changes needed due to eligibility changes resulting from FAFSA data changes

Develop and maintain strong working knowledge of all federal, state, and University student aid regulations, policies, and procedures

Responsible for awarding, monitoring, and oversight of federal, state and university student aid

Work with the Office of Student Aid's Application and Eligibility Services staff to monitor both eligibility and review aid processes

Collaborate with other campus aid representatives, University personnel and outside agencies in the administration of aid applicants' verification and certification eligibility reviews programs

Coordinates the financial aid communication strategies

Works some evening and weekends representing the Office of Financial Aid at admission and financial aid events.

Presents financial aid information to small and large audiences

Required & Preferred Qualifications :

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of all federal, state and University student aid regulations, policies, and procedures

Dedication to excellent customer service and the motivation to help students succeed

Ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner with detailed and sensitive information.

Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Demonstrated commitment to access and inclusion.

Excellent writing, presentation, and organizational skills.

Proficiency in student information systems and Microsoft Office is preferred.

Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

This position requires successful completion of the following background checks :

PA State Police Criminal Background Check

PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form

Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

Application Instructions :

For full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

Campus Information :

Abington, PA is a northern suburb of Philadelphia known for its diversity and accessibility. Located just 45 minutes outside of center city, residents can easily travel to and from Philadelphia and Abington's surrounding communities such as Willow Grove, Glenside, Roslyn, and Jenkintown by SEPTA trains, regional rails, and buses, making it an ideal place to live and work. As a staff member at Penn State Abington, you will enjoy access to popular destinations such as Keswick Village, home of the Keswick Theater, Willow Grove Park, Briar Bush Nature Center, and Abington Arts Center. You can enjoy outdoor recreation at any of Abington's 20+ public parks, as well as shopping, dining, and other historic arts, museums, entertainment, and community events of the greater Philadelphia region while working in a diverse, lively, and engaging campus community.

Penn State offers a competitive and generous benefits package for full-time staff which includes :

Health insurance, dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and dependent children to attend Penn State

Paid time off including holidays, vacation, sick days, and paid parental leave

Visit for additional information about benefits.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications :

None

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 $46,400.00 - $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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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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