Financial Aid Counselor II - Systems

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor II - Systems is a senior counselor position responsible for the daily processing of federal and institutional aid in compliance with all federal, institutional, and NCAA regulations. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid-Systems, and in collaboration with the Financial Aid Systems Analyst, this position will assist with the processing in, and maintenance of various financial aid processing systems as well as the financial aid website.

In addition, this position advises and counsels students and parents on all aspects of financial aid programs, eligibility, budgeting, financial planning strategies, and academic progress and shares responsibility for delivering excellent customer service as a member of the financial aid team. This position also supports and participates in activities that enhance enrollment and retention of students to include some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of relevant work and educational experience

• Experience with different technologies (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, SIS, Chat Bots, Website management)

• Two or more years customer service experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in higher education, preferably in financial aid

• Experience with financial aid systems/software, preferably Ellucian Banner

• Financial aid processing knowledge and experience

Other Qualifications:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance is not available for this position.

• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU's winter break, if necessary.

• This position may be considered an essential position with report to work obligations depending on the type of emergency, campus closure, or evacuation.

• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.

• Able to work all shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:
1.Financial Aid Processing (80%)

• Analyze documents from students and parents requesting special circumstances such as reduction of income, independency overrides, and other circumstances that may affect their federal aid (PJs)

• Responsible for the packaging and revision of student financial aid awards

• Plans, recommends, and manage the timely and accurate processing of all federal financial aid

• Review and evaluate Banner data (that includes determination of students registered for correct number of credits, that amount of funds being paid is accurate, and that corrections from the Federal Government are done correctly)

• Manage the tracking of all student loans (completion of documents and in disbursing of funds)

• Perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations as mandated by the United States Department of Educations

• Student loan (federal and alternative) loan processing

• Process various reports in a timely manner to ensure compliance such as potential over-awards, negative need processes, and ISIR/EFC review.

• Ensure Banner FA modules/messaging are up-to-date

 2. Financial Aid Counseling (20%)

• Counsel students and educate parents regarding federal, institutional and state financial aid opportunities and the responsibility of repayment of federal and alternative loans.

• Counsel students, parents and staff on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) application process, and the packaging and disbursement processes.

• Counsel students and parents in the necessity of specific information when a student's file is selected for verification by the United States Department of Education (ED), or request review for special circumstances.

• Participate in various financial aid outreach events (some evenings and weekends) including in-person and virtual presentations

• Assist team members with processing and awarding
  3. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)

• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.

• Assists with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.