Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor supports the Financial Aid Office in administering student financial aid programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This position is responsible for the accurate processing of electronic aid files and assists with awarding and packaging financial aid for accelerated, traditional undergraduate, and graduate programs.

Key responsibilities include conducting federal needs analyses, completing verification processes, evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), determining Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility, processing financial aid extensions, and performing advanced financial aid processing functions. The Counselor awards federal, state, and institutional aid while maintaining current knowledge of applicable Title IV regulations and financial aid policies.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Counselor collaborates with Student Accounts, Admissions, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus partners to provide accurate, timely, and student-centered service. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, strong communication and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting student success, financial literacy, and the mission of the College.

As needed, the Financial Aid Counselor provides backup support for office operations, including front-desk coverage and assistance with student inquiries.

Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is an independent, Catholic institution rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition that fosters equality through holistic education. Distinguished by its mission-driven culture, collegial environment, and commitment to personalized instruction through a small faculty-to-student ratio, the College promotes the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, the College serves a culturally diverse student body.

Responsibilities

• Award and process financial aid for assigned undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated student populations.
• Review and audit student financial aid files to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance. Counsel students and families on financial aid requirements, eligibility, and award packages
• Support the processing of federal and private educational loan applications.
• Administer Pennsylvania State Grant programs and related initiatives.
• Manage endowed scholarship awarding and reporting processes.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Maintain confidential and accurate student records in accordance with FERPA.
• Coordinate updates to financial aid content on the College website and myCHC portal.
• Participate in on-campus and virtual recruitment and outreach events.
• Assist the Director with departmental reporting using PowerFAIDS, InfoMaker, and Access.
• Administer the Federal Work-Study program, including eligibility review, documentation, and timesheet processing.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and remain current with Title IV, FERPA, and related regulations.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing deadlines and regulations.
• Commitment to teamwork, initiative, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, and InfoMaker preferred.
• Ability to educate students and families on financial aid processes and related enrollment inquiries.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• 12 years of experience in a college or university financial aid office
• Experience working with complex regulatory and compliance requirements
• Experience with PowerFAIDS
• Experience administering Pennsylvania State Grant programs
• Must be in good standing with all Federal Title IV programs
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
• Understanding of and commitment to the College's Mission and Core Values, including a shared dedication to inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.

Preferred

• Experience with Jenzabar and/or InfoMaker systems
• Experience with ELM (Educational Loan Management)

Chestnut Hill College is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.