Financial Aid Counselor

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, this position works as part of a team and is responsible for counseling current and prospective students and families on financial aid requirements, application procedures, aid programs, financing options, and indebtedness. The Financial Aid Counselor also reviews student files and calculates eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. They must also understand federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and regulations related to aid eligibility, awarding and disbursement.

Performs special projects as directed. This role is ideally suited for a hybrid work arrangement for candidates located near Whittier, CA. However, we are also open to fully remote candidates within the United States.

Core duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Serves as front-line customer service, counsel students and parents regarding application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs, and financial management strategies including loans, financing options, criteria for maintaining eligibility, and other financial aid related matters.
• Provide continuous feedback and suggestions for improvement on Office of Financial Aid procedures, services and policies.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with other University departments including, but not limited to, Student Accounts, Admissions, and Registrar.
• Serves on applicable financial aid committees.
• Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of frequently used software systems, especially Jenzabar JFA and J1 products, through regular trainings, review of user guides etc.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various recruitment activities (open houses, orientations, and other events).
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge in all aspects of financial aid including changes to federal and state regulations, participating in annual trainings, professional organizations, and conferences to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
• Responsible for area(s) of specialization for an internal or external program such as work-study, private loans, Pell grants, Cal grants or institutional scholarships etc.
• Responsible for receiving and processing confidential financial aid documents both in paper and electronic form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Determines changes in student eligibility upon receipt of additional information, including subsequent ISIRs, receipt of additional aid, and changes made through verification, professional judgement, or receipt of additional information.
• Responsible for reviewing and assessing student financial aid application data, completing federal verification using federal need-analysis methodology, and determining eligibility for appropriate federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
• Other special projects and job-related duties as assigned.

Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

• Design - Generates creative solutions;
  Uses feedback to modify designs;
  Demonstrates attention to detailli>
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
  Gathers and analyzes information skillfully;
  Develops alternative solutions;
  Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses;
  Pursues training and development opportunities;
  Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills;
  Shares expertise with others.

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations;
  Responds promptly to customer needs;
  Solicits customer feedback to improve service;
  Responds to requests for service and assistance;
  Meets commitments.
• External Working Relationships – Develops and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with clients, vendors and/or any other representatives of external organizations.

• Business Acumen - Aligns work with…