Rita Walker
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Dedicated Financial Aid Counselor with a strong focus on effective communication, regulatory compliance, and financial aid guidance. Proven ability to enhance student satisfaction and streamline financial processes.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Financial Aid Counselor
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
04.2024 - Current
- Counsel students/families (via Zoom, telephone, email, or in-person) with the process of financial aid.
- Directed financial aid counseling efforts, achieving high levels of student satisfaction through accurate advice to students and parents on funding and payment processes. Maintained confidentiality of sensitive personal information, establishing trust and security for students and families. Streamlined financial processes by successfully collecting and submitting large external scholarship funds to partner departments. Elevated customer service experience for a high volume of clients through professionalism and patience. Interpreted and adhered to federal regulations and institutional policies, ensuring compliance in financial aid counseling. Fostered collaboration within a diverse community, effectively engaging individuals with varying technical abilities. Cultivated strong professional relationships across all organizational levels, facilitating teamwork and cooperation. Collaborated with colleagues to meet deadlines in a culturally diverse environment, contributing to overall team success. Developed comprehensive knowledge of federal Title IV and state financial aid programs and regulations, enhancing service delivery. Exercised sound judgment in addressing student inquiries, leading to effective resolutions. Communicated financial aid knowledge clearly within the university environment. Proficiently utilized various software systems in a Microsoft Windows environment to support operational efficiency.
- Processed and reviewed financial aid applications efficiently.
Financial Aid Counselor II
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
10.2020 - 04.2024
- Facilitated one-on-one counseling sessions for students to navigate financial aid program options and requirements.
- Executed financial aid generalist responsibilities by addressing inquiries and resolving diverse issues.
- Assisted in reviewing and packaging federal work-study awards for students according to established guidelines. Determined eligibility for federal work-study programs. Provided detailed responses to student inquiries regarding eligibility requirements.
- Utilized professional judgment to evaluate and escalate issues to relevant teams for prompt resolution.
- Analyzed various government websites to determine student eligibility and recommend necessary corrections.
- Assessed necessity for additional documentation to effectively resolve conflicts.
- Optimized utilization of various data management systems, including Banner, Campus Logic, and Remedy, to enhance operational efficiency.
- Executed processing of financial aid documents and ensured accuracy of information verification.
- Facilitated completion of documentation, including FAFSA paperwork, by providing essential information and addressing inquiries from students and parents.
- Oversaw satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and federal verification processes.
- Facilitated processing of participant loans and withdrawals while managing additional responsibilities as needed.
Education
Master of Arts - Higher Education
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 05.2020 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA05-2016
Skills
- Financial counseling
- Policy interpretation
- Financial aid expertise
- Regulatory compliance
Timeline
Financial Aid Counselor
Saint Joseph's University
04.2024 - Current
Financial Aid Counselor II
Temple University
10.2020 - 04.2024
Master of Arts - Higher Education
Temple University
05.2020 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
La Salle University