Financial Aid Counselor

CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU

MISSION STATEMENT

Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist, and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. The University offers both the civic and church communities of the Pacific region its academic and intellectual resources in the pursuit of common aims.

Position Information

Title: Financial Aid Counselor

Division: Enrollment Management/Financial Aid

Department: Financial Aid

Exempt, Full Time

EAM III

This position is temporary until December 31, 2026

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor assists the Financial Aid Director and Associate Director in evaluating, approving, and awarding financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and operating guidelines. The Financial Aid Counselor is also responsible for assessing the financial needs of students and advising students and parents regarding financial aid options, processes, and requirements.

Reports to

Direct Report to: Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates financial viability of students and families, and provides advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
• Reviews and assesses eligibility of applications for financial aid; exercises professional judgment to determine whether adjustments should be made due to unique circumstances.
• Reviews for accuracy and provides signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
• Conducts orientations, informational workshops, and entrance and exit interviews, both on and off campus, to students, parents and other interested parties in accordance with university, state, federal, and other agency guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the unit.
• Provides information, in person, on the telephone, and through email, to students, prospective students, and families regarding student financial aid, account balance, and registration status.

Disclaimer

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. The percentages regarding the essential and non-essential functions of the job are not precise and are only an approximation, which can vary on a day-to-day basis and are subject to change on an as-needed basis and/or in the sole discretion of supervisory management.

Education and Experience

Minimum

Bachelor's Degree

Customer service experience in a professional environment

Preferred

Two (2) years of customer service experience

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and over the phone.
• Ability to verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to conduct Interviews.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning the provision of financial aid to students.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.

Physical Requirements

Duties involve light work in an office and community setting and requires a minimum of physical effort with intermittent sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking inclines. Must be able to lift 20 pounds, walk the campus with ease, and have excellent motor skills. Must have finger dexterity. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.

Other Requirements

• This is a full time, exempt position. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on the project cycles and workflow demands of the department, additional hours or workday schedule changes may be occasionally required. Must be willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends and a varying schedule.
• Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required
• Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with safe work procedures and policies of the University. Reports unsafe acts/conditions and injuries in a timely and proper manner
• The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies while employed. The policies can be found at or on the employee Share Portal

Marianist Identity/Native Hawaiian & Pacific Island Serving

An expressed willingness to respect and support the Catholic and Marianist identity of Chaminade University of Honolulu and to perform all duties in a manner consistent with Marianist educational values and mission of the University. Understanding of and respect for the University's designation as an institution that serves students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry.