View of Saint Joseph Hall, a stone building with terra cotta roof tiles, through the trees

Financial Aid Counselor

Reports to: Financial Aid Director

Department: Student Financial Services

Purpose

The Financial Aid Counselor supports the Financial Aid Office in ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid programs. This position manages the accurate processing of electronic aid files and assists the Director(s) with awarding and packaging financial aid for accelerated, traditional undergraduate, and graduate programs.

Key functions include conducting federal needs analyses, completing verification processes, and performing advanced clerical and processing tasks related to aid awarding. The Counselor also evaluates and processes Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility, and financial aid extensions.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Counselor works collaboratively with Student Accounts, Admissions, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and student-centered service. This role contributes to a collaborative team focused on student success, financial literacy, and the mission of the College.

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for awarding federal, state, and institutional aid and maintaining current knowledge of all applicable Title IV regulations. As needed, the Counselor provides backup coverage for the office assistant, including front-desk support.

About Chestnut Hill College

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
  • 1–2 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

Preferred

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

Contact Information:

Interested candidates should submit application materials via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is an employer 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. 

Chestnut Hill College is an equal opportunity employer