Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in California

Description

DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid/ STATUS: Full-time/CLASSIFICATION: Hourly/RANK / DATE LAST UPDATED: June 2024

PURPOSE

This role reports to the Director of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive financial aid information, counseling, and assistance to students and their families. This role involves helping students navigate the financial aid application process, understanding their financial aid packages, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Student Counseling:

• Advise students and families on financial aid options, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to assist with financial planning and budgeting for educational expenses.
• Explain financial aid awards and address any questions or concerns regarding financial aid packages.

Application Processing:

• Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms.
• Review and process financial aid applications, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Verify student eligibility for various types of financial aid, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of financial aid applications and awards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for internal and external audits and reviews.

Communication and Outreach:

• Develop and conduct financial aid workshops, presentations, and information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Create and distribute informational materials related to financial aid processes and deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries from students, families, and staff in a timely and professional manner.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other financial aid staff to ensure seamless service delivery and support to students.
• Collaborate with departments such as Admissions, Registrar, and Student Accounts to coordinate financial aid activities and resolve student issues.
• Participate in professional development activities and stay current with changes in financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Financial Aid.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field required. 

Knowledge and Skills (Preferred)

• Experience in financial aid.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with student information management systems (e.g., Empower, Slate).

Working Conditions and Environments:

• Flexibility in working hours required, including a variety of evening and weekend schedules during the year.

NOTE: Though not required, this position is optionally eligible for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission.

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.