Tuition Counselor - Full-time

Tuition Counselor

Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.

Job Title:  Tuition Counselor     

Department:  Office of Financial Aid

Reports to:  Director of Tuition Counseling

Status:  Full-Time, Benefit Eligible

Location:  Lisle Campus

Rate:  $19.00-19.23 hourly

Position Summary:  The Tuition Counselor is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid funds in compliance with federal and state regulations, and institutional policies and procedures. This position is responsible for counseling students on matters of financial aid eligibility, and for providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs to various constituencies. The Tuition Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive financial aid services to students enrolled in the Benedictine University traditional and non-traditional programs. Assists in the day-to-day activities related to the Office of Financial Aid and other administrative responsibilities. Collects payments and assists students with account inquiries. Handles all walk-in, front desk interaction, including phone, email, and virtual contact with students.

Essential Job Responsibilities:      

1.  Front End Customer Service - Serve as initial point of contact for student inquiries related to financial aid and payments. Answer phones and respond to emails for the Office of Financial Aid. Handles walk-in traffic to the office as well as scheduled virtual appointments. Review, advise and reconcile current account problems by researching and analyzing individual accounts. Function as a centralized resource to academic and administrative departmental personnel regarding payment and financial aid matters. Initiate communication and collaborate with departments within the institution to provide excellent customer service.                                                                                                                       
2.  Counseling - Advise students about their financial aid eligibility and options for covering tuition and fees. Explain the application process, aid programs, payment plan options, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning; individualize information to the needs and situation of the student. Assist students with understanding the student refund process and research refunds via Bank Mobile.

3.  Packaging - Perform complex financial aid processes, such as determining student aid eligibility, packaging students, certifying loans, all the while maintaining accurate financial aid documentation to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Evaluate, review, and assess financial documents in accordance with federal guidelines to determine financial aid eligibility and/or to make professional judgement decisions for increased Title IV aid, state, and university aid eligibility.

4.  Non-Title IV Payment Processing - Responsible for collecting and processing payments received in-person by students and families. Duties that fall under this task include, but are not limited to collection of payment, posting of payment to a student’s account, and posting of enrollment and housing deposits received. Ensure all funds are locked securely in the University safe overnight.

5.  Direct Loan and Alternative Loan Processing - Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of loan funds by reviewing eligibility criteria at the time of scheduled loan disbursements.  Review and process applications and certification requests for students requesting alternative student loans.  Contact students to discuss alternative loan options and processes. 

6.  Research and Implementation - Attend training in person and via webinar and review information disseminated by State and Federal agencies and professional organizations to keep abreast of changes and updates to regulation.  Update departmental policies and procedures accordingly.

Other Functions:

On Campus & Virtual Events - Participate in various University recruitment functions throughout the year such as open houses, advising & registration information sessions.

Professional Development - Keep current with all federal and state regulations and institutional policies by participating in training opportunities throughout the year. Research and evaluate the impact of any regulatory changes and make change recommendations current policies and procedures.

Interacts with students and lenders, employers, donors, guarantee agencies and/or staff to resolve issues.

Interact and work in a team environment with other office staff to ensure workload is complete.

Provide backup to other Financial Aid Office staff as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education:  High School Graduate/GED Required, Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Experience:  Over 1 year, preferable within a college or university setting.

Specific Skills:  Internet and Windows-based software proficiency including Microsoft Word and Excel; provide exceptional customer service, via phone, in-person, and video calls; Complete moderately complex administrative paperwork and make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments; Manage data files; Possess strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbally and written; Work within a group or independently.

Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications:  Yes,  Full knowledge of the current guidelines and regulations of Federal, State, and military financial aid processes.  Use of FSA or EDE, NSLDS, CPS, and COD Online familiarity preferred. Prior PeopleSoft SMS and/or VA Once experience is a plus.    

Physical Requirements:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Use of computer screen, phone and customer service. May require bending, or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.

Travel (If applicable): N/A

Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable):   N/A

Working Conditions: Usual office environmental conditions.

Training: As a University employee you are required to complete all University-specific and/or OSHA related training to fulfill your job duties.  Specific training will be conducted online or in person.  Employees must complete all trainings required by Benedictine University.

Employee Benefits Package:

We are pleased to offer the following benefits to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Please note that benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements may apply:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage to support your health needs.
• Disability Insurance: Protection for both short-term and long-term disability.
• Life Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones in case of the unexpected.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health days.
• Retirement Plans: Save for your future with our retirement savings options.
• Mental Health Support: Access to counseling and resources for mental well-being.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for your education and professional development.
• Financial Wellness Advisors: Personalized advice to help manage and plan your finances.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.

Benedictine University does not discriminate in its admissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other University administered programs or employment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional and statutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsored institution.  This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training and compensation.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.  The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.

Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.