Financial Aid Counselor

JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and financial assistance to prospective and accepted students in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, healthcare administration, medical education, biomedical sciences, post-baccalaureate studies and all other programs offered at LECOM.CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following are a list of Academic Exercises that may be required from time to time:

Promotes and preserves the mission of LECOM;

Acts as administrative representative with faculty, staff and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times;

Maintains confidentiality, professional appearance and pleasant demeanor;

Authorize student payments and/or refunds concerning aid;

Provide financial aid presentations to interview applicants for all programs offered at LECOM;

Veteran's Administration Certifying Official for all students with a veteran status and process GI Bill Benefits for veterans to ensure they receive their benefit to assist with educational expenses;

Provide counseling to students on the financial aid process for all programs offered by LECOM;

Advise and counsel students regarding sources of financial aid, application procedures, debt management, and satisfactory academic progress;

Award federal financial aid in compliance with regulations;

Certify and process student loan applications;

Determine financial need and verify aid eligibility for students;

Coordinate with multiple agencies for the delivery of financial aid funds;

Maintain paper and database student financial records in accordance with federal regulations;

Assist with the development of new budgets and educational materials for each academic year;

Conduct presentations regularly throughout the year on financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements;

Participate in campus functions such as; commencement, ceremonies, orientation, and open houses;

Participate in professional development programs;

Communicate regularly with the student population regarding updates, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities;

Data entry, clerical, and phone responsibilities necessary to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;

Learn about all programs and be able to answer student inquiries;

Respond to various communication inquiries regarding the admissions process;

Conduct on-campus tours on an as needed basis;

Participate in the Applicant Interview process for all programs, including greeting applicants, assisting with presentations, leading tours, etc.;

Update various applicant files and notify students of application status;

Assist in processing applications for the Institutional Programs;

Analyze data for all programs and create Excel graphs as requested;

Assist with the planning and implementation of on-campus events related to admissions, including On-Campus Day, LECOM events, orientation, and the like;

Support Admissions Representatives in all Programs;

Serve as back up support to College Receptionist, on an as-needed basis;

Provide Student Affairs support service for enrolled students;

Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;

Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;

Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach; and

Other duties as required / needed to maintain an efficient and effective Department.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/DisabledJob Requirements:KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Must possess required know edge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Strong computer literacy with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Exceletc.) and accurate data entry skills;

Enthusiastic, good sense of humor, and a professional positive attitude;

Excellent understanding of the admissions process and a demonstrated ability to market and promote professional programs in healthcare administration, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry;

Willingness to maintain an established work schedule;

Adherence to all local, state, federal laws and LECOM policies and procedures;

Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet deadlines;

Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies / procedures and/or guidelines affecting areas of responsibility;

Ability to be self-reliant and follow instructions;

Sound decision-making capabilities and the ability to work independently and as directed by the Institutional Director or his/her designee;

Willingness to assume responsibility; initiate appropriate action; and maintain confidentiality;

Knowledge of and ability to maintain confidentiality of patient (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA);

Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols (OSHA);

Ability to be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;

Effective use of interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy;

Effective use of organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;

Time management skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;

Willingness to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials;

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;

Willingness to be flexible and accept other duties needed/assigned; The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect in compliance with EEO rules and regulations;

The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and

The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to:a Bachelors' Degree and a minimum of one (1) year of experience at a postsecondary educational institution working in financial aid or relevant work-related experience required.Candidates with accounting, banking,or other financial work experience are encouraged to apply.PLEASE CLICK "APPLY" ON PACAREERLINK PA. GOV. AND SEE "FOLLOW-UP INSTRUCTIONS"