Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Hope International University

Position Information

Organizational Relationship: Manager of Student Financial Services

Position Summary: The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will counsel students and parents about financial aid programs and provide general financial aid information to students and the community. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor evaluates financial aid applications, awards need-based and merit-based aid, represents the college to students and parents at outreach activities and with public and private organizations, attends training workshops and conferences, and keeps informed of changes to financial aid programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Counsel students and parents regarding:

• general financial aid process

• eligibility requirements

• documentation and verification requirements

• rights and responsibilities pertaining to student loan borrowing and debt

• fee schedules and payment options

• Give professional judgment when necessary

• Participate in/conduct financial aid presentations during Preview Days

Verification of Financial Aid:

• Processing and verification of federal, state, and institutional aid

• Collect necessary documentation from student and/or parent

• Verify Title IV recipients as needed

• Determine loan amounts and eligibility

• Confirm enrollment and satisfactory academic progress

• Return Title IV funds as needed

• Determine necessary actions on student accounts due to overdue balances or incomplete paperwork

• Prepare fee schedules

Communication:

• Frequent communication with Senior Financial Services Manager, Loan Specialist, and students

Miscellaneous:

• Assists in developing, preparing, and disseminating forms and informational material

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Student Financial Services Department

Employment Standards:

Qualifications: To fulfill this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education/Experience: Minimum of five years of experience working in financial aid. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Federal regulations pertaining to the administration of Title IV aid, EDconnect, COD, NSLDS, Pell Grants, and Cal Grants; Microsoft Office Suite; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively; writing skills; awarding/packaging; counseling techniques; public speaking; knowledge of compliance requirements; evaluation of satisfactory progress standard; interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with campus management software is desired.

Mental Demands: Problem-solving; ability to prioritize responsibilities and exercise independent judgment, especially regarding state, federal, college, and office policies and procedures; ability to adapt to changes

Visual Demands: Extended viewing of computer monitor, proofreading, and quality control.

Physical Demands: Extended intervals at the keyboard, ability to lift/move up to 30 pounds, periodic registrations required long intervals of standing. May require climbing stairs and walking to various offices on campus.

Environment: Very busy, team-oriented, fast-paced environment; must be able to maintain confidential information; extensive contact with students, outside agencies, faculty, and staff. May require occasional late hours and weekends.

Character: Must embody Christian character and be actively involved in a local church

Position Status: Non-exempt, full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hiring Range: $25.00 - $27.00 Hourly

Hope International University is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and committed to providing all candidates an equitable employment selection process. Individuals of diverse, multinational backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Hope International University does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment against any individuals based on race, color, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected classes described by federal, state, and local laws.

Where religious protections are provided by federal and state laws, Hope International University exercises its given religious freedoms and employs those individuals who meet such criteria and support Hope International University's beliefs, faith practices, and tenets of the Christian faith. Hope International University is committed to a hiring process and selection based on the candidate's qualifications, merit, and operational needs of the University.